Lactuca sativa /səˈti va/
Common name: Lettuce
Lactuca sativa is a cool-season annual in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), grown worldwide for its edible leaves. It was first cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, who domesticated it from the wild weed Lactuca serriola. If not harvested, the plant bolts, sending up a tall flowering stalk with small yellow blossoms.
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
Zones 2–11 as a cool-season annual
Mature height
15–30 cm (6–12 in)
Pet safe
Non-toxic; safe for pets in moderation
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Grown from seed, which germinates quickly in cool, moist soil. Sow seeds about half a centimeter deep, keep the soil evenly moist, and thin seedlings to their final spacing once they have a few true leaves. Successive sowings every couple of weeks give a continuous harvest.
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.