Lettuce Major

Major lettuce is an early semi-heading variety with a vegetative period from emergence to consumer readiness of 40-45 days. The plant forms medium-sized semi-heads weighing 200-350 grams, round in shape. The leaves are light-green with a reddish margin, round, tender, crisp, and juicy, with a fine curly and slightly blistered texture. Due to its high plasticity and resistance to bolting, the variety has a long consumption period and can be grown both in open ground from early April to September and year-round under covered conditions.

Major is characterized by high yield — 30-40 tons per hectare — as well as resistance to a number of diseases, including false powdery mildew (Bremia lactucae, races 1-16, 19, 21, 23), internal necrosis, and lettuce aphid. The variety features high-quality produce, long storage life, and excellent transportability, making it attractive for professional cultivation and marketing.

For sowing, use a scheme of 25-35 cm x 25-35 cm or 35x35 cm with row spacing of 45-60 cm; seed depth is 1-1.5 cm. Seed rate is 1.5-2 kg per hectare. Thinning is performed at the 4-5 leaf stage, with spacing between plants of 15-20 cm. It is important to maintain loose and clean rows, as well as regular watering, especially during head formation. Watering is best done in the morning so that leaves dry by evening, reducing disease risk. Harvesting begins when heads reach a diameter of at least 5-6 cm.