How to Grow Red Hawk
Wikimedia Commons
Red Hawk
Lactuca sativa var. crispa 'Red Hawk'
vegetableRed Hawk is a red leaf lettuce variety with deeply lobed, frilly leaves that form a loose head. Known for its vibrant burgundy-red coloring and tender, crisp texture, it's excellent for salads and adds visual appeal to garden beds. This cold-tolerant variety performs well in both spring and fall seasons.
When should you plant Red Hawk in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Hawk timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Hawk
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Hawk
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Hawk dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cool-season growing
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Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge; seedlings are delicate and thin
Keep soil moist and maintain 60-70°F temperature; provide bright light once sprouted; thin seedlings to proper spacing
Seedling
2-3 weeksFirst and second true leaves develop; plants establish a small root system
Maintain consistent moisture; avoid overwatering; provide 12-14 hours of light daily if indoors; gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if transplanting
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksLobed, frilly leaves develop and multiply; rosette structure forms; foliage deepens in red coloring in cooler weather
Water consistently; maintain cool temperatures (60-70°F ideal); thin to proper spacing if needed; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
Leaf Development & Maturity
2-3 weeksPlant reaches full size with abundant deeply lobed leaves; vibrant red coloring fully expressed; loose head formation
Continue consistent watering; harvest outer leaves as needed for cut-and-come-again harvesting; monitor for bolting in heat
Harvest & Post-Harvest
Ongoing until boltingLeaves are tender and crisp; ready for full head harvest or continued leaf picking
Harvest in early morning for peak crispness; cut at soil level for full head or pick outer leaves; use promptly or store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Common Pests
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; neem oil spray
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and
Hand-pick; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; copper tape barriers; encourage predators
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Rotate crops; use resistant varieties; reflective mulch; avoid planting in same location within 2 years
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch
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Row covers on young plants; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; remove debris
Uses
Fresh Salads & Garnish
CulinaryRed Hawk's tender, crispy leaves with mild, sweet flavor make it ideal for salads, sandwiches, and plate garnishes. The striking red-burgundy color adds visual appeal to fresh dishes. [source]
Cut-and-Come-Again Harvesting
CulinaryUnlike head lettuces, Red Hawk can be harvested continuously by picking outer leaves, providing extended harvest from a single plant throughout the growing season. [source]
Decorative Garden Edging
HouseholdRed Hawk's deeply lobed, ornamental foliage with vibrant coloring makes it attractive as a border plant in vegetable gardens or mixed beds, combining function with landscape appeal. [source]
Nutritional Greens
MedicinalRed lettuce varieties are rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K, making them valuable for supporting overall health and immune function. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, Red Hawk produces small yellow flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when outer leaves are 4-6 inches long for cut-and-come-again harvesting, or wait until full head forms (45-60 days). Cut leaves at soil level in early morning when plants are crisp. Can harvest entire head by cutting just above soil line. Avoid harvesting after midday heat. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Red Hawk's color intensifies in cool temperatures, so fall crops are often more vibrant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Hawk's color intensifies in cooler temperatures—fall-grown plants display richer, deeper burgundy tones compared to spring plantings.
- 🌱 The lobed, frilly leaf structure of Red Hawk increases surface area, making it more tender and delicate than head lettuce varieties while improving water uptake.
- 🌱 Lettuce is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of cultivation dating back to ancient Egypt around 4,500 years ago.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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