Garden Lettuce

(Lactuca sativa)

Garden Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lactuca sativa, commonly known as Garden Lettuce, is an annual herb of the daisy family, native to the Mediterranean to Siberia. It is widely cultivated for its leaves, which are a staple in salads, and occasionally for its stem and seeds, which are used in various culinary applications such as soups, sandwiches, wraps, and even grilled dishes. Lettuce plants typically reach a height and spread of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in). The foliage is diverse in color, ranging from shades of green to red. Lettuce has a life cycle of 65–130 days from planting to harvest, with the goal of avoiding the bitter taste that comes when it bolts, or flowers. Bolting is induced by warm temperatures and results in the formation of flower stalks up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall with small yellow flowers. As a cool-season crop, lettuce thrives in temperatures between 16 to 18 °C (61 to 64 °F) and can tolerate as low as 7 °C (45 °F). It is prone to various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, pests from insects and mammals, and fungal and bacterial diseases.

Garden Lettuce is valued for its ease of cultivation and the variety of leaf shapes and colors available. It is commonly grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers. Lettuce requires full sun to part shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained, nitrogen-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. In hot climates, providing partial shade can help prevent premature bolting. While generally easy to grow, lettuce can suffer from problems like aphids and slugs, and is sensitive to poor soil conditions and drought.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Native to temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, often grown in open fields and controlled environments like greenhouses

Other Names

Common Names: Cultivated Lettuce , Lettuce , Locika Setá , Salát , Garten-Lattich , Gartensalat , Grüner Salat , Kopfsalat , Lechuga , Ruokasalaatti

Scientific Names: Lactuca sativa , Lactuca sativa var. capitata , Lactuca serriola var. integrata , Lactuca sativa var. asparagina , Lactuca capitata , Lactuca scariola var. integrata , Lactuca integrata , Lactuca sativa var. acephala , Lactuca sativa subsp. secalina , Lactuca sativa var. foliosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Lactuca sativa L.