How to Grow Red Sails Using a Hydroponic System for Beginners
Basic Data
- ☀ Ideal Temperature: Red Sails lettuce thrives in temperatures between 45°F to 65°F.
- 🌱 Germination Time: Typically takes 5 to 7 days to germinate.
- 📅 Time to Maturity: Reaches maturity in about 45 to 55 days.
Germination Steps
- Step 1: Soak the planting sponge and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Place Red Sails seeds into the damp sponge.
- Step 3: Keep in a cool area until seeds germinate.
- Step 4: Transfer the sponge with the sprouted seeds to the hydroponic system.
Growing Process
Light Requirements Table
| Stage | Light Duration | Light Spectrum | Light Intensity |
| Germination | 10-12 hours/day | Full spectrum | 100-150 µmol/m²/s |
| Seedling | 12-14 hours/day | Full spectrum | 150-200 µmol/m²/s |
| Vegetative | 14-16 hours/day | Full spectrum | 200-250 µmol/m²/s |
| Mature | 14-16 hours/day | Full spectrum | 200-250 µmol/m²/s |
- 💧 Water Pump Volume and Duration: Set to cycle every 20 minutes.
- 🔧 pH Value: 6.0 to 6.5.
- 🍼 Nutrient Ratio:
- Nitrogen: 150 parts per million
- Phosphorus: 50 parts per million
- Potassium: 200 parts per million
- Calcium: 150 parts per million
- Magnesium: 75 parts per million
- Trace Elements: Include Iron, Manganese, Zinc at 1 part per million each as needed.
Plant Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Deep red leaves that fade to green at the base, adding visual interest.
- High Yield: Known for its ability to provide continuous harvests when leaves are picked individually.
- Nutritional Content: Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.
Conclusion
Red Sails lettuce is an excellent choice for hydroponic beginners due to its easy care, fast growth, and attractive appearance. It provides a steady supply of tasty and nutritious leaves, ideal for enhancing salads with vibrant colors and flavors.