Troubleshooting
Red Romaine Lettuce problems — and how to fix them
Red Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia 'Rouge d'Hiver') 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.
Bolting in heat
Hot weather and long days send romaine to seed, turning leaves milky and bitter. Grow it in spring, autumn or overwintered, and choose shadier spots in summer.
Tipburn
Brown, scorched leaf margins come from erratic watering and calcium uptake stress in fast growth or heat. Keep soil evenly moist and avoid moisture swings.
Slugs and snails
Ragged holes and slime trails on tender leaves, worst in cool damp conditions. Use barriers, traps or evening hand-picking; keep mulch off the crowns.
Downy mildew and bottom rot
Yellow leaf patches with greyish undersides, or slimy lower leaves in wet, crowded plantings. Improve spacing and airflow and water at the base.
Prevent red romaine lettuce problems before they start
Most red romaine lettuce issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common lettuce problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Red Romaine Lettuce watering schedule
- Red Romaine Lettuce light requirements
- Best soil mix for red romaine lettuce
- Red Romaine Lettuce temperature & humidity
- Full red romaine lettuce care guide
Looking for red romaine lettuce in general rather than its problems? Read the full red romaine lettuce care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Red Romaine Lettuce problems — FAQ
Why is my red romaine lettuce bolting in heat?
Hot weather and long days send romaine to seed, turning leaves milky and bitter. Grow it in spring, autumn or overwintered, and choose shadier spots in summer.
Why is my red romaine lettuce tipburn?
Brown, scorched leaf margins come from erratic watering and calcium uptake stress in fast growth or heat. Keep soil evenly moist and avoid moisture swings.
Why is my red romaine lettuce slugs and snails?
Ragged holes and slime trails on tender leaves, worst in cool damp conditions. Use barriers, traps or evening hand-picking; keep mulch off the crowns.
Why is my red romaine lettuce downy mildew and bottom rot?
Yellow leaf patches with greyish undersides, or slimy lower leaves in wet, crowded plantings. Improve spacing and airflow and water at the base.