Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

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Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Datasheet

  1. Common Name: Lettuce

  2. Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa

  3. Family: Asteraceae

  4. Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated since ancient Egypt

  5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9; grown as a cool-season annual

  6. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; light shade preferred in hotter climates

  7. Water Needs: High; requires consistent soil moisture due to shallow roots

  8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained, fertile loam with a pH between 6.0–7.5

  9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
      • Aquaponics: Compatible
      • Aeroponics: Compatible
      • Hydroponics: Compatible
      • Preferred Method: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Water Culture (DWC) are ideal

  10. Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual that forms a compact rosette; prone to bolting in heat

  11. Height & Spread: Typically 6–12 inches tall; spread varies by cultivar and type

  12. Time from Germination to Harvest:
      • Baby leaves: 25–30 days
      • Full-sized leaf lettuce: 45–60 days
      • Head-forming types (e.g., romaine, crisphead): 60–90 days

  13. Flowering Time: Summer; bolts quickly in heat producing small yellow flowers

  14. Edible Parts: Primarily leaves; stems (in celtuce varieties); seeds used for oil

  15. Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used for digestive and calming effects; mild sedative properties from lactucarium

  16. Companion Plants: Carrots, radishes, strawberries, cucumbers, and onions

  17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Susceptible to aphids, slugs, mildew, and downy mildew; rotate crops and provide airflow

  18. Harvest Time: Harvest outer leaves as needed or entire heads; store in cool, humid conditions for short-term use

  19. Propagation Methods: Direct sow from seed; germinates in 7–10 days; succession planting recommended

  20. Sustainability Features: Quick-growing crop; ideal for succession planting; fits well in vertical, hydroponic, and urban gardens

  21. Culinary Uses: Salads, sandwiches, wraps, juices; also used lightly cooked in soups and stir-fries

  22. Fun Fact: Ancient Romans believed lettuce aided sleep and digestion—often served before bed

Great Lakes Iceberg
Flavor Profile: Refreshingly crisp with mild sweetness.
Culinary Uses: Classic for wedge salads, sandwiches, and as a crunchy garnish.
Notes: Standard iceberg head with superior bolt resistance; ideal for large heads 
Planting Tip: Start indoors for early spring transplant, space 12″ apart.
Days to Maturity: ~70 days

Buttercrunch (Butterhead)
Flavor Profile: Tender, buttery, slightly sweet.
Culinary Uses: Excellent in salads, wraps, and as lettuce cups.
Notes: Heirloom with high heat tolerance and dependable heads .
Planting Tip: Drip irrigation in warm shoulder seasons maintains leaf texture.
Days to Maturity: ~55–70 days

Little Gem (Romaine-type)
Flavor Profile: Crunchy, sweet, and compact.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for mini Caesar salads, appetizers, and grilling.
Notes: Compact “mini-romaine” with heat tolerance and dual-use in salads .
Planting Tip: Harvest small heads ~6–8″; fits well in containers.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Red Sails (Leaf)
Flavor Profile: Mild and leafy with subtle sweetness.
Culinary Uses: Salads and garnishes; adds color.
Notes: Heat-tolerant looseleaf with attractive burgundy edges .
Planting Tip: Cut-and-come-again sowing extends harvest season.
Days to Maturity: ~40 days

Lollo Rossa (Leaf)
Flavor Profile: Mild with a slightly nutty finish.
Culinary Uses: Baby leaf mixes, garnishes, and summer salads.
Notes: Frilly red looseleaf; bolt-resistant variety .
Planting Tip: Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Days to Maturity: ~55 days

Parris Island Cos (Romaine)
Flavor Profile: Crunchy, slightly bitter, hearty rib.
Culinary Uses: Classic Caesar and club sandwiches.
Notes: Widely grown romaine known for bolt resistance and strong ribs .
Planting Tip: Provide afternoon shade and regular watering in warm weather.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days

Black Seeded Simpson (Looseleaf)
Flavor Profile: Mild, classic leaf lettuce taste.
Culinary Uses: Salads, baby leaf mixes, quick harvests.
Notes: Standard looseleaf variety with reliable early yields and bolt resistance .
Planting Tip: Thin seedlings to 4–6″ spacing for full leaves.
Days to Maturity: ~35 days (baby), ~60 days (full)

Forellenschluss (Looseleaf)
Flavor Profile: Mild, nutty with a hint of sweetness.
Culinary Uses: Salads; prized heirloom in cooler seasons.
Notes: Decorative spotted leaves; stands out for bolt resistance .
Planting Tip: Grow in spring/fall to showcase its unique foliage.
Days to Maturity: ~55–60 days

🥗 Lettuce Cultivar Comparison Table

Variety Type Habit Height/Spread Key Feature Days to Maturity
Great Lakes Iceberg Crisphead Compact head ~8–10″ across Classic crunch; bolt-resistant ~70
Buttercrunch Butterhead Loose head ~8–12″ diameter Tender & reliable in heat 55–70
Little Gem Mini Romaine Upright compact ~6–8″ tall Sweet crunch; container-friendly 50–60
Red Sails Looseleaf Open rosette 8–10″ wide Colorful edges; heat-tolerant ~40
Lollo Rossa Looseleaf Frilly rosette ~8–10″ wide Decorative frills; bolt-resistant ~55
Parris Island Cos Romaine Upright head ~12–18″ tall Hearty ribs; Caesar classic 60–70
Black Seeded Simpson Looseleaf Open rosette ~8–12″ wide Fast, reliable, bolt-resistant 35 (baby), 60 (full)
Forellenschluss Looseleaf Open rosette ~8–10″ wide Spotted heirloom; bolt-resistant 55–60

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Lesson tags: aquaponic crops, butterhead, companion planting, cool season crops, crisphead, cut and come again, edible garden, garden greens, heirloom lettuce, homegrown salad, hydroponic lettuce, Lactuca sativa, leafy greens, lettuce, lettuce cultivars, looseleaf lettuce, nutrient dense greens, organic gardening, romaine, salad greens, sustainable gardening, urban farming, vegetable gardening
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