Butterhead lettuceLactuca sativa var. capitata

Butterhead lettuce

Butterhead lettuces

1. Lactuca sativa subsp. capitata
2. Lactuca capitata

1. Head lettuce
2. Cabbage lettuce

1. Butter lettuce

1. Häuptlsalat
2. Häuptelsalat

1. Butterhead

1. NameEisbergsalat

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Lactuca sativa var. capitata nidus-jenerae

   Clarification

   Iceberg lettuce is a subgroup of head lettuce with firmer head formation.

1. Butterhead lettuce
2. Growing lettuce
3. Cabbage lettuce

1. Tracheophyta
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Asterids

Aster family

1. Lactuca sativa var. crispa
2. Lactuca sativa var. longifolia
3. Cichorium endivia

1. Leaves

Butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) is the classic leaf salad, prized for its tender, buttery leaves and characteristic head formation.

Known since ancient Egypt and Rome, modern butterhead lettuce evolved in the Middle Ages to become one of the most important European vegetable crops.

1. Tasksowing

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 5
   4. 6
   5. 7
   6. 8

   Notes

   Regular succession sowing every 2 weeks.

Full sun to partial shade

Sheltered position beneficial

Humus-rich, loose loamy soil

Regularly, never let the soil dry out

Basic fertilization with ripe compost is sufficient

Good companion for tomatoes, radishes, and strawberries.

1. solanum-lycopersicum
2. vicia-faba
3. pisum-sativum

1. lactuca-sativa
2. cichorium-endivia

1. brassica-oleracea-italica
2. daucus-carota

Due to its short growing period, butterhead lettuce is an excellent pre-, inter-, or post-crop. A 3-year rotation break from other Asteraceae should be maintained to prevent soil fatigue and disease transmission.

1. Slugs and snails
2. Aphids
3. Root aphids

1. Rot pathogens
2. Powdery and downy mildew
3. Leaf spot diseases

1. Observe crop rotation
2. Do not plant too deep (lettuce should 'dance' in the wind)
3. Water in the morning so leaves can dry

Regularly check the undersides of leaves and the stem base for early signs of fungal infection or pests.

1. Slugsclerotinia-sclerotiorum

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Waterlogging

   Affected parts

   1. Stem
   2. Lower leaves

   Prevention

   1. Loose soil
   2. Avoid overwatering

   Organic control

   1. Remove infected plants immediately
   2. Liming of the surrounding soil

1. Symptom

   Plant wilts despite moist soil

   Possible causes

   1. Wurzelfäule
   2. Wurzellöcher durch Schädlinge

   First checks

   1. Carefully dig up root ball
   2. Check for larvae

1. Germination
2. Leaf development
3. Heading
4. Harvest maturity
5. Bolting (Flowering)

Growth is very rapid at moderate temperatures; the heading stage is the critical phase for quality.

June to August (only for seed crops)

Yellow

May to October

250g - 500g per head

Single harvest per plant.

1. Head is sufficiently firm
2. Desired size is reached
3. Leaves feel crisp

Cool immediately after harvest or briefly dip the stem base in water.

1. Vegetable drawer of the refrigerator
2. Wrapped in a damp cloth

Short-term storage (fresh vegetable)

2-4 days

1. Fresh consumption
2. Freezing not possible

Excellent for raw consumption.

Not suitable for preservation.

Remove wilted outer leaves, cut the stem crosswise or remove it.

Mild, buttery, tender.

1. Leaves
2. Head

1. Roots
2. Milky sap in large quantities from bolting plants

Non-toxic. However, nitrate can accumulate in the leaves if over-fertilized.

Most common form of consumption; wash leaves thoroughly.

Easy to medium

Seeds (achenes)

Cut seed heads when fluff (similar to dandelion) begins to appear and allow to dry further.

Cross-pollination between different Lactuca sativa varieties is possible.

As an annual herbaceous plant, butterhead lettuce does not involve grafting or wood formation; propagation is strictly via seeds.

Since lettuce is usually harvested before flowering, its ecological value for pollinators is low, unless plants are allowed to bolt for seed saving.

Plant 'high': The root crown should sit slightly above the soil surface to prevent rot.

Time for the first sowing under glass or fleece.

Provide shade and water generously to prevent bolting.