Lettuce
Lettuce
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an annual plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae, widely cultivated as a leaf vegetable. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide.
Starting Lettuce Plants[edit]
To start lettuce plants:
- Sow seeds directly outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date in your area for spring planting, or 6-8 weeks before the first frost date for fall planting
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows or broadcast over a prepared bed
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety, when they have their first set of true leaves
Lettuce can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors after hardening off.
Harvesting Lettuce[edit]
Lettuce is typically ready to harvest 30-70 days after sowing, depending on the variety. To harvest:
- Pick outer leaves as needed for loose-leaf varieties, allowing the center of the plant to continue growing
- Cut the entire head at the base for head lettuce varieties when the head is fully formed and firm
- Harvest in the morning when the leaves are crisp and full of moisture
Lettuce plants are fast-growing and typically only produce for a few weeks before bolting (producing flowers and seeds) in warm weather.
Saving Lettuce Seeds[edit]
To save seeds from lettuce:
- Allow the plant to bolt and produce flowers
- Wait for the flowers to mature into seed heads, which will turn white and fluffy
- Cut the seed heads when they are fully mature and dry
- Rub the seed heads between your hands to release the seeds
- Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
Common Lettuce Varieties[edit]
Some commonly grown lettuce varieties include:
- Loose-leaf: Quick-growing varieties with tender, mildly flavored leaves; examples include 'Black Seeded Simpson' and 'Red Salad Bowl'
- Butterhead: Varieties with soft, buttery-textured leaves forming a loose head; examples include 'Bibb' and 'Boston'
- Romaine (Cos): Tall, upright varieties with crisp, elongated leaves; examples include 'Paris White' and 'Green Towers'
- Crisphead (Iceberg): Varieties forming a tight, dense head with crisp, mild-flavored leaves; examples include 'Great Lakes' and 'Summertime'
Uses as Food[edit]
Lettuce is primarily used as a fresh, raw ingredient in salads and sandwiches. Different varieties offer a range of textures and flavors, from crisp and mild to tender and slightly bitter. Lettuce can also be:
- Used as a wrap for various fillings
- Added to smoothies or juices for extra nutrients
- Lightly grilled or braised as a side dish