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Lactuca /lakˈtuːka/

Common name: Lettuce

Lactuca A genus of roughly 100 species of annual and perennial herbs in the aster family, found mostly across Eurasia. Its star species is Lactuca sativa, lettuce, domesticated thousands of years ago from a weedy wild ancestor, Lactuca serriola, and grown ever since as one of the world's most popular salad greens. Lettuce is a fast, cool-season crop that comes in a remarkable range of forms, from crisphead and romaine to loose-leaf and stem types.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to partial shade; shade helps in summer
Water Consistent, light moisture; shallow roots
Soil Loose, fertile, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • Lettuce was first grown by ancient Egyptians for the oil in its seeds, before leafy types were bred.
  • Iceberg, romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf lettuces are all the same species.
  • Lettuce has been grown and eaten aboard the International Space Station as part of NASA's Veggie experiment.

Species in this genus

Lactuca sativa Species
Lettuce

Common problems

    • Sow in cool spring or autumn weather
    • Provide shade during heat waves
    • Harvest leaves young and regularly
    • Set beer traps or iron phosphate bait
    • Water in the morning, not evening
    • Wash off with a strong water jet
    • Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
    • Space plants for good airflow
    • Water at the base in the morning