Goodness this lettuce is a dazzling beauty. It comes on fast and full with an open growth habit and slightly elongated, savoyed leaves that are a soft green blushed with red darkening to purple near the tips. Lovely and quick for salad mix but also incredible as a large (12-16”) loose head. The bolting stems referred to as both “celtuce” and “asparagus lettuce” in China are also peeled and eaten fresh or lightly sautéed. Described in Vilmorin’s, “The Vegetable Garden” in 1885, it is a French heirloom that is as beautiful as it is versatile. 65 days. UO
Note: Seeds will become dormant if exposed to high temperatures. Lettuce grows best in cooler weather.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/8-1/4"
SPACING:
12" in rows 15" apart.
EMERGENCE:
2-10 days @ soil temp 68F and lower.
LIGHT:
Full sun to part shade
FERTILITY:
Medium. Prefers well-drained, and evenly moist soil and is sensitive to low pH.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Uneven watering can result in tip burn, the browning of the leaf margins, which is the result of an inability of the plant to move calcium to the growing edge fast enough to meet its growth needs. Consistent, evenly moist soil or calcium amendments can be beneficial if this seems to be a problem.
Hot weather can cause premature bolting. Generally, when the plants begin to stretch upwards (to flower), the leaves become bitter and the eating quality poor.
