Lettuce (Sugar loaf)

Plant family

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

30 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Sugarloaf is classified among chicory salads and is also called meat cabbage, chicory salad or chicory salad. The name sugarloaf comes not from the taste, but the shape. Like radicchio and chicory, it is derived from the common chicory and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Sugarloaf heads grow between 25-35 cm long with oval, dull green to light yellow leaves. The slight bitterness in flavor increases with the age of the plants, but decreases slightly with night frosts. Spicy nutty aroma.

Growing tips

A wind-protected, sunny location with deep (because of taproot), humus-rich soil is preferred, but generally rather undemanding. Does not need to be preplanted. Germination after about 8 days at 20-25°C. Seeding soil is recommended. Separate after 4 weeks at the latest. Protect from cold to prevent shooting. Remove weeds regularly. Frost hardy up to -6°C (depending on variety). Harvest possible until November. Can be overwintered in greenhouse or under foil, but not outdoors. For longer storage, harvest the root as well. Can be planted well after spinach or peas.