PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun but benefits from partial shade in hot climates to prevent premature bolting.
Watering
Requires consistent moisture; soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Temperature
Thrives in cool weather; high temperatures trigger bolting and bitterness.
Characteristics
- Leaves: Upright, elongated, spatulate to oblong, typically dark green, forming a tall, loosely folded head with a prominent, thick, crisp white midrib;
- Flowers: Small, pale yellow composite flower heads arranged in a panicle, appearing only when the plant bolts in hot weather;
- Stem: Short and compressed during the vegetative stage, elongating rapidly into a tall, branching stalk during reproduction;
- Roots: Shallow, fibrous taproot system.
Care Guide
Watering
Water frequently to maintain even soil moisture, especially during warm spells.
Fertilization
Apply a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer to encourage vigorous leafy growth.. Requires steady nutrients, particularly nitrogen, for optimal leaf production.
Coffee Grounds Tea：Steep used coffee grounds in water for 24 hours, strain, and use the liquid to water the lettuce. Provides a gentle nitrogen boost for leafy growth. Avoid applying thick layers of raw grounds directly to soil to prevent mold.Pruning
- Harvest outer leaves individually as a "cut-and-come-again" crop, or cut the entire head at the base when mature;
- Remove any yellowing or damaged lower leaves to improve airflow and prevent rot;
- Pull the entire plant immediately if it begins to bolt (send up a flower stalk), as leaves will become unpalatably bitter.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Non-toxic to cats per ASPCA.
Humans: Completely safe and widely consumed as a highly nutritious vegetable.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Highly valued in ancient Rome, it remains a cornerstone of Western cuisine, most notably as the essential ingredient in the classic Caesar salad created in the 1920s.
Usage: Primarily used fresh in salads, sandwiches, and wraps for its crunchy texture; occasionally lightly grilled or braised.