Seed Packet Winter Lettuce Rougette de Montpellier

Seed Packet Winter Lettuce Rougette de Montpellier (Reference: 3607712) - Vilmorin presents this traditional and hardy variety, specially selected to withstand the rigours of winter. This exceptional lettuce forms compact and flavourful heads, providing a valuable continuity of harvest when fresh vegetables are scarce in the kitchen garden.

A winter lettuce with multiple advantages

The Rougette de Montpellier stands out as the reference variety for experienced gardeners and beginners alike who wish to extend their growing season. Its exceptional hardiness allows it to survive winter without special protection in most regions. It is perfectly suited to family kitchen gardens, allotments, market garden plots and cold greenhouse cultivation.

This variety has the remarkable advantage of forming its heads quickly from the first warm days, offering an early harvest when other vegetables in the garden are still dormant. Its attractive appearance, with leaves that take on reddish hues towards the end of growth, also makes it an aesthetic asset for edible ornamental gardens.

Technical and botanical characteristics

The Rougette de Montpellier belongs to the Lactuca sativa family of the headed type. Vilmorin's professional-quality seeds guarantee an optimal germination rate and remarkable uniformity of development. This variety forms heads of medium to small size, particularly dense and crisp.

The foliage initially displays a characteristic tender green colour, gradually evolving towards reddish hues on the edges and main veins during maturation. This natural colouring intensifies with autumn and winter temperature variations, giving the lettuce its distinctive appearance and slightly peppery flavour.

The plant develops a robust root system enabling it to efficiently absorb nutrients even during periods of slowed vegetative growth. Its cold resistance extends down to -8°C without protection, and it tolerates repeated morning frosts.

Sowing, planting and growing guidance

Sowing takes place from July to September for a staggered harvest from November to April depending on climatic conditions. Prefer sowing in a nursery bed or pots to facilitate transplanting. Seeds should be sown at a maximum depth of 1 cm in a fine, well-drained growing medium.

Planting out takes place when seedlings reach 4 to 5 true leaves, maintaining a spacing of 25 to 30 cm in all directions. Choose a sunny to semi-shaded position, sheltered from prevailing cold winds. The soil should be rich in organic matter, fresh but well-drained, with a pH close to neutral.

During growth, maintain consistent moisture without excess by watering regularly at the base. An organic mulch reduces evaporation and protects roots from frost. In very cold regions, a tunnel or forcing fleece may be necessary to optimise winter growth.

Expert tips and companion planting

To maximise your results, associate the Rougette de Montpellier with winter radish, lamb's lettuce and spinach crops that share the same climatic requirements. This smart rotation optimises soil use during the cold season. Complement your crops with Multitanks organic fertilisers to nourish the soil in depth.

Avoid classic mistakes: sowing too late which compromises establishment before winter, or planting in heavy, poorly drained soil that promotes root rot. Plan supports to protect young plants from strong winds during the establishment period.

Harvesting is done head by head as needed, cutting at ground level with a clean knife. Outer leaves can be progressively removed to extend production. This lettuce keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator and lends itself to a variety of culinary preparations: composed salads, soups, braised dishes with root vegetables.

Technical specifications