Celtuce / Asparagus lettuce - organic-seeds

Celtuce / Asparagus lettuce

Celtuce, also known as Asparagus Lettuce, is an Oriental vegetable with very narrow leaves that do not form a head. The central stem is harvested when the seeds have emerged but before flowering. Large, tender, and crisp, it is delicious when cooked like asparagus. Highly valued for its delicate flavor.

Sowing

• Period: February–March under cover, from last frost until June outdoors

• In nursery: transplant after about 4 weeks at 30 cm spacing, when plants have 4–5 leaves

• Direct sowing: thin to 10 cm, later to 30 cm

Tip: Roman lettuce grows best in sunny locations, in humus-rich, well-prepared soil, with regular watering during dry periods.

• Successive sowings every 3 weeks from February to June provide a continuous harvest throughout the season.

Care and disease prevention

• Keep soil moist using mulch

• Water regularly during dry spells

• Protect plants from slugs

Harvesting

• Harvest period: 8–10 weeks after sowing, when the central stem is fully formed

• Cut the root level with the ground

• Can be stored for a few days in the fridge

Tips & tricks

• Easy to grow

• Harvest the central stem before flowering

• Protect from slugs