Celtuce

Germination

Sow indoors or under glass. Sow 6-12mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 4-16°C. Germination takes 7-14 days. Once germinated grow on at 16-18°C. Can be sown directly from March. Sow 15mm deep in short rows 20cm apart. Water the drill prior to sowing. Cover with netting. When seedlings are large enough to handle thin to 20cm spacing. Replant thinnings elsewhere or eat. Successional sow every 2 weeks.

Growing

Prefers a deeply enriched soil with plenty of well rotted organic matter added in a cool location. Tolerant to light frosts and cold weather. Cover with netting to prevent bird attack if needed.

Cultivation

In summer mulch to keep soil cool. Keep watered to delay bolting. Harvest in the morning as soon as the leaves look large enough to eat. Harvesting ends once flowers start to form as the leaves become bitter.