A fast growing leafy green, with round and smooth, thick broad leaves. Best to direct sow when conditions and soil temperatures are stable, otherwise propagate in a mini greenhouse and then transplant. As a member of the brassica family, it is susceptible to caterpillar attack so best to net during white cabbage moth season (peak autumn and spring). Snails also favour it’s crunchy, nutritious leaves but the plant often grows fast enough to evade notable damage.
PLANTING
Sow seeds directly to the patch if conditions are mild/warm, otherwise propagate in a seed tray and then transplant to the patch when seedlings are 4 weeks old. Make sure to keep watering up to both seeds and seedlings – always in the morning – as young leafy greens are delicate to both the sun and snails/slugs.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. More frequent watering may be required during the warmer times of the year.
In Pots: Water daily while establishing and for the entirety of the warm season, otherwise every second day – after they are 4 weeks old – if growing during the cooler times of the year.
MAINTENANCE
Prepare with compost and well-rotted manure and allow the soil to settle for 1 -2 weeks before planting. Fresh manure has a tendency to burn younger lettuce seedlings, so corporating a green manure in your soil as part of the preparation is also ideal.
HARVESTING
Harvest the number of plants you need for the day by cutting them at the base with a knife, or pulling them out then trimming off the roots. It’s best to do this in a cool part of the day when the leaves are well hydrated.
TIP
Once you find good, viable seed, stick to it, as it can often be hard to come by.
