Lettuce, a versatile delight in various dishes, poses a challenge to grow in the scorching Florida summer. Fear not! Discover a handful of resilient heat tolerant greens that thrive in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. Check out my aerogarden cheat for growing lettuce indoors during summer in my previous video.
Tokyo Bekana: The Heat-Resistant Cabbage-Like Marvel
Tokyo Bekana, resembling Chinese cabbage or Bok choy, stands out as a favorite heat tolerant greens. Its large, crunchy leaves withstand heat and rain, providing a mild, tasty addition to your summer salads. Continuous clipping encourages regrowth, defying the relentless Florida heat.
Jericho & Manoa: Bolting Fighters for Shady Spaces
Jericho and Manoa lettuce, akin to Hawaiian varieties, showcase impressive heat resistance. While they may eventually bolt, strategic succession planting and placing them in shadier areas delay bolting, ensuring a steady supply of salad greens.
Chijimisai: A Spinach-Like Gem
With a name reminiscent of chimichangas, this vibrant green Chinese cabbage-type lettuce , Chijimisai, shines in the summer garden. Despite being consumed by voracious visitors, consistent harvesting keeps it going strong, offering a spinach-like alternative for your salads.
Cranberry Hibiscus: The Citrusy Color Pop Heat Tolerant Greens
Not your typical lettuce, the cranberry hibiscus boasts red leaves with a unique citrusy flavor. While not ideal for an entire salad, it adds a visually striking contrast and a delightful citrusy note to your heat tolerant greens. Combine it with other lettuces for a flavorful ensemble.
Crafting the Perfect Summer Salad
Combine the crunch of Tokyo Bekana, the bolting resistance of Jericho and Manoa, the vibrantance of Chijimisai, and the citrusy flair of cranberry hibiscus for a salad that doesn’t even need dressing. These greens, resilient and full of flavor, redefine summer salads, allowing you to enjoy homegrown goodness even in the hottest months.
Don’t let the Florida summer deter your salad dreams—cultivate these heat tolerant greens and relish the vibrant, homegrown flavors in every bite. Happy gardening!
