To plant Tango lettuce, follow these steps for a successful and bountiful harvest:
1. Choose a suitable location: Tango lettuce prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or other organic materials to improve drainage and fertility.
2. Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Break up any large clumps and remove rocks or roots that may hinder root growth.
3. Sowing the seeds: Scatter the Tango lettuce seeds evenly over the prepared soil surface. Aim for a spacing of about 6-8 inches between seeds. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid burying the seeds too deep, as lettuce seeds require light to germinate.
4. Watering: After sowing the seeds, gently water the area to settle the soil and provide moisture for germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the germination period, which usually takes about 7-14 days. Watering with a fine mist or using a soaker hose is preferable to avoid disturbing the seeds.
5. Thinning: Once the seedlings have emerged and developed their first true leaves, thin them out to provide adequate space for each plant to grow. Thin to a spacing of about 12-16 inches between plants. This will allow the Tango lettuce to develop its characteristic frilly leaves and form tight, upright rosettes.
6. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the lettuce plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more consistent soil temperature. Straw, shredded leaves, or compost can be used as mulch. Take care not to pile mulch against the plant stems to prevent rot.
7. Watering and fertilizing: Tango lettuce requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply, providing about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Avoid overhead watering, as it can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once a month to promote healthy growth.
8. Harvesting: As a cut and come again lettuce, Tango can be harvested at any stage of growth. For baby lettuce, start harvesting individual leaves when they reach a desirable size, typically around 4-6 inches in length. For mature heads, wait until the rosettes have formed tightly, then cut the entire plant about 1 inch above the soil level. The remaining plant will continue to produce new leaves for multiple harvests.
Remember to keep an eye out for pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying the crisp, frilly leaves of Tango lettuce in your salads!
