A loose leaf 'picking lettuce', Lattuga Verde A Foglia Riccia produces an abundant pale green leaves to add to salads and sandwiches, or used as a garnish.
Lettuce is very suitable for inter-cropping between taller, long-standing vegetables, such as beans, tomatoes, peppers, etc. Lettuces require rich, moisture retentive soil free of weeds.
Sowings are made in succession throughout the year under protection for continuous cutting. Sow seeds during autumn and winter to mature under protection. For spring and summer sowings, sow seeds direct in rows, in drills 13mm deep.
This variety does not need to be thinned, but grown as a continuous row.
Harvesting of the leaves can commence after about 20 days during summer. Cut frequently to keep the crop continuously producing new tender leaves.
The dark green leaves of lettuce are a good source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A.
Serving suggestion - Italian style lettuce. Shred and mix a selection of leaves including radicchio. Shred a sweet pepper. Mix all with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Serve with Italian bread.