Seeds
A striking, heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce with deep red, frilly edges.
New Red Fire' is an exceptionally resilient lettuce variety that holds its crisp texture and mild flavor even as summer temperatures rise. It forms large, loose heads of deeply lobed leaves that transition from bright green at the base to an intense burgundy red at the tips. This variety is highly resistant to bolting and bitterness, making it a reliable choice for adding color and crunch to summer salads.
Light
Prefers bright light, with full sun in the cool months and light afternoon shade once temperatures rise, since strong sun and heat trigger bolting and bitter leaves.
Water
Lettuce is shallow rooted and needs even moisture, so water little and often, usually every 1 to 2 days in warm weather. Water in the morning at soil level, as dry spells cause bitterness and tip burn.
Humidity
Average humidity suits it. Water in the morning so the leaves dry quickly, and space plants to prevent rot and mildew.
Temperature
Grows well at roughly 10 to 30 C through the cool months. In 35 C+ heat keep it under shade net with morning watering to hold it for a while, though leaves turn bitter as it flowers. Sow from October to February. 'New Red Fire' resists bolting better than most, but still appreciates afternoon shade as it warms.
Pets and children
Pet-safe
Soil
Loose, well drained loam rich in organic matter. Mix compost or vermicompost into garden soil or a cocopeat blend, and keep the surface mulched since the roots are shallow.
Fertilizer
Mix in compost before sowing and give a light balanced liquid feed every 2 to 3 weeks. Too much nitrogen late on gives soft leaves, so ease off as the heads form.
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