Kilnsey salad (Kilnsey) is a new medium-maturing Romaine type variety of Dutch selection by Enza Zaden. It is adapted for cultivation in open ground during spring-summer and summer-autumn periods, and also suitable for year-round cultivation in plastic greenhouses. The vegetation period is approximately 50-60 days from germination to harvest. The plant forms an elongated, semi-open head up to 30 cm long and about 20 cm in diameter, with a loose structure. The leaves are glossy, lyre-shaped, upper leaves green, inner leaves yellow, crisp and juicy, making the salad ideal for fresh consumption and salad mixes. It can also be briefly heat-treated.
Kilnsey salad is characterized by a strong leafy canopy and high resistance to stress, fungal diseases, bolting and marginal scorching. It adapts well to various soils and climatic conditions, allowing cultivation in all climatic zones. The plant quickly recovers after adverse conditions, has good transportability and retains excellent flavor and aroma, making it in demand in the fresh vegetable market.
For cultivation, seedling method is recommended with sowing seeds in trays with moist and loose soil mix. Seeds, packaged in 1000 or 5000 pieces, are in pellet form, facilitating sowing. Seedlings develop rapidly, forming a well-developed root system. Main care includes timely watering, soil loosening, weed removal and fertilization, conducted approximately once a month. Standard agronomic practices and abundant watering under high temperatures ensure stable growth and high-quality harvest.
