
The plant above is Cracoviensis lettuce, described by the seed vendor as follows:
"An heirloom predating 1885, with an open head of elongate, slightly savoyed, purple-red tipped leaves. A fast vigorous plant well suited to quick cut salad. Makes a large loose head before bolting. Referred to by Vilmorin (1885) as “red celtuce,” implying that its large tender pink bolting stem may have been the heirloom intent of this variety. A recent letter from England confirms that this is the case. Celtuce, also called “asparagus lettuce.” is a Chinese market item."
The jury is still out as to whether I will grow this variety again, as it takes up a lot of space for the amount of lettuce it produces. The plants are still a few weeks from harvest, and perhaps they will develop more fully. If the taste is exceptional, I may reconsider and grow a few pots just to add some color and texture to our daily salads.
I should add that these plants have received only the Expert Gardener plant food with calcium nitrate and epsom salt since day one, and they are doing great.
4 comments:
Those are some fine looking lettuces you have growing!
Thanks Dan! I have been collecting seed varieties for several years and my biggest problem is WHAT TO GROW! I am working on tatsoi and arugula to add some zip to our greens.
Can't beat Tatsoi, it's good in stir fry and noodle soup as well.
I only planted one seed to try it, but I think it is a fairly large plant when mature.
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