Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Romaine
Romaine, the base green of Caesar salad, is also a wonderful com-
ponent of smoothies. Its bright green leaves are sweet to the taste
and will fill out any smoothie you make.
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING ROMAINE
FAMILY
NAME
Asteraceae (aster, daisy, or sunflower family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Leaves.
LOCATION
Full sun in the early summer; light shade mid-summer.
BEST SOIL
Loose, rich, well-drained soil.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Romaine likes cooler weather, so plant in the early spring or fall;
the plants take 65 to 70 days to mature.
HOW TO
PLANT
Scatter seeds under ⁄ -inch of soil; if transplanting from pots or
1
seed trays, plant 12 to 18 inches apart.
4
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
8 to 10 plants per person.
WEEDING
Keep the area free of weeds.
WATERING
Romaine likes a lot of water to make it grow fast.
FERTILIZING
Plenty of fertilizer or compost tea to get the plants growing fast.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Rabbits love romaine; keep them out with netting or fencing.
Aphids and caterpillars are also attracted to these plants. Use
organic or natural sprays to keep them away.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
As soon as it's big enough to use.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Pick the outer leaves as you're ready to use them in your
smoothies and let the inner leaves grow.
STORAGE
You can store the leaves in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel
to ensure they stay moist, but it's best to pick just what you
need for your smoothie and let the rest grow.
