Troubleshooting
Merlot Lettuce problems — and how to fix them
Merlot Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Merlot') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Faded colour in heat
Warm temperatures and low light wash out the dark burgundy tone. Grow in cool, bright seasons; cool nights and strong light give the deepest red.
Bolting
Although slow to bolt, prolonged heat and long days still send it to seed and turn leaves bitter. Grow in spring and autumn and harvest before flower stalks form.
Slugs and snails
Frilled leaves trap slugs that shred foliage in damp cool weather. Use traps, barriers or evening hand-picking and keep beds tidy.
Tipburn and aphids
Brown leaf edges from moisture swings, and aphid colonies on new growth. Keep watering even and dislodge aphids with a water jet or insecticidal soap.
Prevent merlot lettuce problems before they start
Most merlot lettuce issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for merlot lettuce in general rather than its problems? Read the full merlot lettuce care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Merlot Lettuce problems — FAQ
Why is my merlot lettuce faded colour in heat?
Warm temperatures and low light wash out the dark burgundy tone. Grow in cool, bright seasons; cool nights and strong light give the deepest red.
Why is my merlot lettuce bolting?
Although slow to bolt, prolonged heat and long days still send it to seed and turn leaves bitter. Grow in spring and autumn and harvest before flower stalks form.
Why is my merlot lettuce slugs and snails?
Frilled leaves trap slugs that shred foliage in damp cool weather. Use traps, barriers or evening hand-picking and keep beds tidy.
Why is my merlot lettuce tipburn and aphids?
Brown leaf edges from moisture swings, and aphid colonies on new growth. Keep watering even and dislodge aphids with a water jet or insecticidal soap.