About
An annual, butterhead lettuce up to 20cm in height, with a rounded head of loose, soft green leaves, turning to dark red. A sweet variety with a buttery texture which can be sown indoors and planted out from April.
About the genus
Lactuca can be annuals, biennials, perennials or shrubs, with alternate leaves, milky white sap and daisy-like flowers in white, yellow or blue. The genus includes a wide range of wild plants, as well as species cultivated for their edible leaves (lettuce)
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun or afternoon shade on moisture-retentive, but free-draining, ideally neutral soil. Water when the soil is dry, ideally early in the morning. Sow a short row every fortnight to ensure continuity of cropping. Use cloches or biodegradable horticultural fleece to protect early and late crops. See lettuce cultivation for more information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown indoors, planting out from April when the risk of frost has passed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and downy mildews