Garden lettuce - Lactuca sativa (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Garden lettuce

Also known as: Lettuce

Garden lettuce (*Lactuca sativa*) is a hardy annual plant commonly cultivated as a leafy vegetable. The earliest evidence of its cultivation goes all the way back to Ancient Egypt. Its leaves are often used for making salads, and they are an excellent source of vitamins K and A.

Scientific classification

Species

Garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

15 cm to 90 cm

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow, White, Red, Variegated, Gold, Purple

Leaf Color

7 mm to 1.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Garden lettuce

Distribution of Garden lettuce

Distribution Map

Garden lettuce in its present cultivated form is native to West Asia, though its predecessors might have been Mediterranean. It can be found in light woodlands but is most commonly grown for food in cultivated beds, preferring sandy, loamy, well-drained soils. It has been introduced across much of Eurasia, Africa, and North and South America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rich, well-drained soil

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Garden lettuce is one of the world's most popular salad plants and has been a mainstay of vegetable gardens since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The plant doesn't really have great aesthetic appeal, so it is grown purely for its edible leaves. It grows well in vegetable gardens with peas, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Symbolism

Chastity, remorse, sleep, fertility

Interesting Facts

Garden lettuce has historically been a symbol of sexual virility. The ancient Egyptians believed consuming garden lettuce increased sexual prowess and fertility in women. The Romans believed it increased fertility as well. The ancient Greek myth of Adonis views lettuce in a different light. Adonis dies in a field of lettuce, and he is a symbol of inappropriate overt sexuality and immaturity. To the ancient Greeks, lettuce symbolized impotent.

Name Story

Garden lettuce: Lettuce is related to the Old French word, latue and comes from the Latin word, lactūca in which lac means milk because it has milky white saps in its stem. Since it is often grown as a garden vegetable, it is called garden lettuce.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Garden lettuce, including the following common varieties :

Garden lettuce 'Lollo Rossa'Garden lettuce 'All Year Round'

Toxicity

Garden lettuce may cause skin irritation when touched. To avoid reactions and contaminants like E. coli or Salmonella, rinse lettuce before handling. Garden lettuce can accumulate arsenic from the soil; ensure to use high-quality soil for its cultivation.

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Quickly Identify Garden lettuce

Leaves vary in shapes, from lobed to elongated, with colors ranging from green to reddish-purple.

Flowers are small yellow compound heads with 7-15 florets and finely toothed petals.

Fruits are tiny achenes, narrow obovate in shape, with a plumose pappus for wind dispersal.

Stems are initially short, elongating up to 12-20 inches with a contorted branching pattern.

Overall height and width can reach up to 12 inches, displaying vibrant foliage with unique colors.

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Care Guide for Garden lettuce

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Garden lettuce prefers consistently moist soil and benefits from watering twice a week. While it shows moderate drought tolerance, maintaining moisture is crucial for robust leaf production and to prevent bolting. Typically cultivated outdoors, it requires attentive irrigation during the active growing season.

Fertilize: Garden lettuce thrives with regular high nitrogen fertilization every two weeks during growth, using half-strength solutions to prevent root burn. Transition to phosphorus-rich fertilizers as harvest approaches for improved quality. Adjust methods based on plant maturity for optimal results and health.

Pruning: Garden lettuce is a leafy green vegetable with a crisp texture and mild flavor. Prune regularly, especially in early to late spring, to remove damaged leaves, enhance airflow, and promote healthy growth. This practice reduces disease risk and improves harvest quality for a bountiful yield.

Propagation: Garden lettuce should be propagated by sowing seeds in spring for optimal growth. Success is marked by seedling emergence, requiring consistent watering and adequate light to promote healthy development.

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Images of Garden lettuce

Distribution of Garden lettuce

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Garden lettuce

Care Guide for Garden lettuce

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