Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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)
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun on moisture-retentive soil. 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Resistant to lettuce root aphid, but vulnerable to slugs and snails
Diseases
May be affected by grey moulds and lettuce downy mildew
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.