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Vegetables
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Lettuce is a popular crop that is extremely low-maintenance and easy to grow - perfect for beginner gardeners and self-sufficient gardeners. There are varieties that you can sow and harvest all year round. So that you don't get lost in the variety of different lettuce varieties, here is an overview of lettuce varieties and picking lettuce varieties.
Garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa) includes numerous different varieties. These differ in their appearance, color and taste as well as their growth form (rosette or head). Depending on the firmness of the heads, a distinction is made between head-forming lettuces (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) such as iceberg lettuce or batavia lettuce (e.g. the Lollo Rosso variety). There are also romaine lettuces, also known as cooking lettuces (L. sativa var. longifolia). These varieties grow in a dense rosette but do not form a closed head. The counterparts to lettuce are cut and plucking lettuces. The special thing about plucking lettuce is that it can be harvested over a long period of time. It does not form a head, but rather small bunches of leaves, which are harvested relatively early. Other lettuces that are also among the most popular garden lettuces are endive (Cichorium endivia) and chicory (Cichorium intybus var. soliosum).
Depending on the variety, the leaves vary in shape, appearance and taste. Light green to red-brown, as well as curled or oak leaf-like shapes are possible. As a low-growing plant, lettuce grows best in humus-rich, loose soil and also tolerates semi-shady locations. Picking lettuce is also often used as a border. Here is an overview of the best-known and most popular varieties, divided into red and green lettuce varieties.
The green-yellow, curly lettuce variety 'Australian Yellow' (Lactuca Sativa var. acephala) is ideal for sunny locations. This variety can also be cultivated in balcony boxes. Australian Yellow is characterized by its late shooting, which means that it can be harvested over a particularly long period.
The shape of this variety is very similar to rocket. However, the leaves are lighter in color and the taste is less pungent. This variety is also resistant to jointing and can even be cultivated in the greenhouse all year round.
This heirloom, green variety with slit leaves is also known as finger lettuce in some places. This lettuce variety prefers moderately warm locations and also requires less nutrients than other varieties. This makes it particularly suitable for semi-shady, nutrient-poor locations.
This lettuce variety is probably one of the best known and oldest. It grows very quickly and is resistant to mildew. The leaves of the lettuce are light green and broadly serrated.
This brown-red variety actually resembles a deer tongue in appearance. It comes from America and its early harvest (approx. 55 days) makes it particularly popular with self-supporters. Its taste is pleasantly delicate.
A curly, finely toothed appearance distinguishes this lettuce variety from others. In contrast to its light green counterpart (Lollo bionda), it has red leaf tips. In mild temperatures, this variety can be harvested without hesitation until December. The strong, nutty flavor delights many gardeners.
This well-known and widespread variety originates, as the name suggests, from America. The leaves are green to reddish-brown and slightly wavy. As the variety shoots easily in summer heat and its germination capacity decreases at temperatures above 20 °C/68 °F, it is particularly suitable for cultivation in spring or fall. The American Brown also prefers sunny locations.
As the name suggests, the leaf shape of the oak leaf lettuce resembles the curved shape of an oak leaf. Either green or red: this variety can be cultivated outdoors or in pots. It has given rise to many other varieties and cultivars, such as Red Salad Bowl, Radichetta, Navara and Bolchoi. The taste of oak leaf lettuce is mild and nutty.
Around 30 varieties of lettuce are grown commercially in Germany. These can differ in size, shape, taste and cultivation period. While some varieties are sown in spring, others are sown in summer or even fall (winter varieties). With the right planning and choice of variety, you can therefore harvest your own lettuce all year round.
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Cover picture: by Reginal on Pixabay
Isabell studies agricultural sciences and loves to be surprised by nature and its complexity again and again. Herbs - whether gathered wild or in the garden - are her passion.
Learn moreWhat are the benefits of leaf lettuce?
Leaf lettuce can be harvested over a long period because it does not form a head but continuously produces leaves.
What are some popular green leaf lettuce varieties?
Popular green varieties include "Australian Yellow," "Catalogna," "Lattughino Verde," and "Venetian."
What are some red leaf lettuce varieties?
Red varieties include "Red Deer Tongue," "Lollo Rosso," "American Brown," and "Oakleaf Lettuce."
How do head lettuce varieties differ in their growing periods?
Head lettuces are categorized into early, mid-season, and late varieties based on their sowing and harvesting times.