Overview
Lactuca saligna is a clump forming annual in the genus Lactuca, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lactuca saligna grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, bedding and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Lactuca saligna, commonly known as least lettuce or willow lettuce, is an annual plant in the genus Lactuca, which includes a range of annuals, biennials, perennials, and shrubs with milky white sap and daisy-like flowers. This clump-forming cultivar has deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. It is hardy to UK zone H2 and can be grown in various garden settings, including cottage gardens, patios, and conservatories. Propagation is by seed, and it is typically of interest during the summer season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lactuca
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Lactuca saligna size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Bedding, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lactuca saligna
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Lettuce root aphid
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds, Downy mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lactuca saligna?
Lactuca saligna prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lactuca saligna need?
Lactuca saligna grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lactuca saligna hardy in the UK?
Lactuca saligna has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Lactuca saligna?
Seed.
More in the Lactuca genus
- Lactuca sativa 'Afrodite'PBR
- Lactuca sativa 'Altessita'PBR
- Lactuca sativa 'Analora'PBR
- Lactuca sativa 'Anguilla'
- Lactuca sativa 'Avondefiance'lettuce (butterhead) 'Avondefiance'
- Lactuca sativa 'Azulita'PBR
- Lactuca sativa 'Bachata'PBR
- Lactuca sativa 'Bakura'lettuce 'Bakura'