Salad Leaves - Crispy Lettuce Blend

From regular summer sowings, this quick growing blend will produce delicious crops of nutritious salad leaves in less than 30 days. Lettuce Leaves 'Crunchy Blend' is ideal for growing in containers close to the kitchen door, but can also be grown under cover for a tasty winter crop. Make regular sowings for a constant supply throughout the season. This attractive mix contains a blend of Lettuce 'Red Cos', Lettuce 'Green Cos', Lettuce 'Catalogna' and Endive 'Romanesco'. Perfect for adding taste and texture to your salads, garnishes and sandwiches. Height and spread: 15cm (6").

Sowing

Direct sow lettuce seeds outdoors in spring and summer into well prepared, fertile, moist soil in sun or semi shade. Autumn sowings should be grown under cloches or in a cold greenhouse for overwintering. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills 30cm (12") apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12") apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Make regular sowings for a constant supply.

More Info

Water lettuce frequently and hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Dry weather may cause heads of lettuce plants to bolt so watering is particularly critical during the 2 weeks before harvesting. A thick mulch applied around the plants will help to retain moisture in the soil. Harvest lettuce when required by pulling up the entire plant before trimming off the stem with a knife.