[scientific name]
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Quick Reference |
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| Optimum Soil Temperature | |
| Days to Germination | |
| Days to Harvest | |
| Direct Sow or Transplant | |
| Distance Apart | |
| Soil pH | |
| Annual/Biennial /Perennial | |
History |
LettuceLactuca sativa From the daisy family. Started life as a bitter sow thistle. Best grown in spring and autumn. Hot weather may cause bolting. Lack of water will cause bitterness Deep cold will stop growth Excessive rain or overhead watering will cause the lettuces to go slimy Hearting lettuce – iceberg etc Loose leaf In between the the two is butterheads ie Buttercrunch Cos and loosleaf are cut and run – take a few leaves from each plant so as not to stress the plant. Grows easily from seed. Germinates from relatively low soil temperatures of 5 degrees up to 21 degrees Cover with a little soil as they require light for germination. Seedlings are easily transplanted. Space at 35cm When transplanting cut back leaves to about a third to minimise shock. Keep moist as they establish Watch for slugs and snails |
Growing |
| Storing harvested [name]:Seed Saving: |
Maintenance |
| Feeding: |
Fun Facts |
Problems |
| Aphids – plant wilts, leaves puckered and distorted. Insects under leaves or on new growth. Water regularly in dry weather. Leaf Spot – brown spots on leaves. COmmon after cold wet weather in badly drained soils. Crop rotation Botrytis/grey mould – soft rot of leaves with grey mould. Common in humid weather. Improve drainage. Keep weeds down. Sclerotinia – stunting, rotting at ground level. Brown slime in hearts. Bitter. Remove affected plants. Weed. ensure good air flow. Bolting/running to seed prematurely – delayed transplanting, overcrowding, dry, hot weather. Choos right variety for the time of yeat. water regularly Bitterness – slow growth or overmaturity. Pick when young. Like warm soila dn mositure Poor seed germination – Lack of moisture. Heat. 20C optimum. Over 25 C too hot. use fresh seed Slugs and snails – young seedlings eaten No hearts – not enough light, overcrowding, drought, shortage of organic amatter Tipburn – edges turn brown. Sudden water loss. Ensuer watering in warm conditions. |
Pests |
Companion Planting |
| Beans, Broad Beans, Climbing Beans, Beets, Cabbages, Carrots, Cherry, Chervil, Cucumber, Marigold, Marjoram, Onions, Parsnip, Radish, Strawberries
NEVER Parsley |
