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Lettuce, Red Salad Bowl Hydroponic Seeds
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Description
General Information about Lettuce Red Salad Bowl (Hydroponic)
Lettuce Red Salad Bowl is a classic oakleaf-type looseleaf lettuce famous for its deeply lobed, frilly leaves and intense red-bronze coloration. It forms an attractive, open rosette and performs exceptionally well in NFT, Ebb&Flow, DWC, and Kratky systems.
The red pigmentation deepens under cool temperatures and good light, making it a favourite variety for growers who want both high yield and premium visual appeal.
Taste and Look of Lettuce Red Salad Bowl
Red Salad Bowl produces deeply lobed, curled oakleaf leaves with a vibrant bronze-red colour on the tips and edges. Cooler growing conditions intensify the pigmentation, resulting in some of the darkest red shades among oakleaf lettuces.
The flavour is mild, sweet and pleasantly delicate, with a soft, slightly nutty or buttery note. It is known for retaining sweetness longer than many varieties thanks to natural slow-bolting characteristics.
How to Grow Lettuce Red Salad Bowl (Hydroponic)
Recommended systems: NFT, Ebb&Flow, DWC, Kratky
Recommended nutrients: MP SEEDS Hydroponic A+B
This variety is forgiving, vigorous, and suitable for both beginners and commercial farms.
1. Prepare growing cubes
- Use rockwool, peat plugs, fibre cubes, or another inert medium.
- Moisten with clean water or a very light nutrient solution (EC near 0).
- Allow excess water to drain.
2. Sow the seeds
- Place 1 seed per cube.
- Lightly mist or press to ensure good contact.
3. Sprouting (3–5 days)
- Keep in a warm, dark, humid environment.
- Ideal germination temperature: 18–24°C.
- Maintain moisture but avoid oversaturation.
4. Move under light
- Shift seedlings under LED grow lights once germinated.
- Provide 12–16 hours of light daily.
- Strong light deepens the red colour.
5. Seedling development
Seedlings are ready to transplant when:
- they show 2–3 true leaves,
- roots emerge from the bottom of the cube.
6. Transfer to the hydroponic system
- NFT: ensure root tips touch the nutrient film.
- Ebb&Flow: place in pots/trays with regular flood cycles.
- DWC/Kratky: keep a small air gap under the cube for oxygenation.
7. Growing & harvest
Red Salad Bowl grows quickly and can be harvested:
- as baby leaf (3–4 weeks),
- or as a full rosette (approx. 30–40 days after transplanting, depending on system).
How to Use Lettuce Red Salad Bowl
Red Salad Bowl is prized in both home and professional kitchens thanks to its colour and tender texture.
- Salads & mixes: Excellent in mesclun mixes for colour contrast and frilly texture.
- Whole-head salads: Slice medium heads in half for stunning presentation.
- Sandwiches & wraps: Soft, pliable leaves fold easily and add colour.
- Decorative plating: Perfect edible garnish for boards, bowls, and cold dishes.
- Baby leaf: Extremely tender and ideal for ready-to-eat mixes.
Pairs beautifully with fruits (strawberries, pears, apples), goat cheese, nuts, vinaigrettes and citrus dressings.
Nutritional Benefits of Red Salad Bowl
Red leaf lettuces offer excellent hydration and a strong antioxidant profile.
- Vitamin K: supports bone and cardiovascular health.
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin): essential for vision and skin health.
- Vitamin C: antioxidant and immune support.
- Folate (B9): supports cell growth and metabolic functions.
- Minerals: potassium, magnesium, iron.
- Anthocyanins & phenolic compounds: powerful antioxidants contributing to the red colour.
Low-calorie, nutrient-dense and rich in hydration, perfect for healthy, fresh diets.
| Certification: | Conventional seeds |
| Seed Category: | Hydroponic Seeds |
| Latin Name: | Lactuca sativa |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
| Recommended Systems: | NFT, Ebb&Flow, DWC, Kratky |
| Sprouting Time: | 3–5 days |
| Total Growing Time: | 30–40 days (full head) |
| Taste: | Mild, sweet, delicate, slightly nutty |
| Leaf Color: | Red-bronze tips with green base |
| Nutrition Benefits: | Vitamins A, C, K; folate; antioxidants; minerals |
| Compatible Nutrients: | MP SEEDS A+B fertilizer recommended |
| Compatible Trays: | Ebb&Flow trays |
FAQ, Most Popular Questions About Red Salad Bowl (Hydroponic)
Is Red Salad Bowl good for hydroponics?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable oakleaf lettuces for indoor and greenhouse systems, thriving in NFT, DWC, Ebb&Flow and Kratky.
How long does it take to grow?
Sprouting takes 3–5 days, and mature heads are typically ready 30–40 days after transplanting.
Does it develop strong bitterness?
No, this variety is known for slow bolting and keeps a mild, sweet flavour even as it matures.
How do I get deeper red leaves?
Provide good light intensity and slightly cooler temperatures (especially at night). This boosts anthocyanin production.
What is the ideal spacing in hydroponics?
Approx. 15–20 cm between plants to avoid shading and ensure full rosette development.
Which nutrients should I use?
An N-balanced hydroponic nutrient with good calcium and magnesium levels (MP SEEDS A+B recommended).
