Spring Tower | Celtuce Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lactuca sativa var. asparagina

CULTURE: Celtuce is grown in a similar manner as head lettuce. Sow seed 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors in flats or cell-type containers 4mm deep, about 6cm apart. For a continuous supply, sow every 2-3 weeks. Shade flats on sunny, warm days, if necessary, to keep the soil surface below 24°C until germination. If sowing into flats, transplant about 2 weeks later 25-50mm apart in flats, pots, or 19mm-25mm cell-type containers. Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature for 2-4 days before transplanting outdoors. Celtuce plants are hardy to light frost. Transplant 20cm-30cm apart in rows 30-45cm apart. If direct seeding, begin sowing in spring as soon as the soil is prepared. The seeds will germinate even at low, 4°C soil temperature, but poorly above 24°C. Sow seeds about 25mm apart in rows 30-45cm apart or sow in clusters of 3-4 seeds every 20cm. Cover seeds lightly, about 4mm, firm soil gently, and keep surface moist until emergence in 3-5 days (or longer in cold weather). Thin to 20cm apart.

DISEASES AND PESTS: See our selection of insecticides for slug control products. Prevent disease with crop rotation and good sanitation.

HARVEST: Cut the plant when the enlarged stem reaches 20cm-25cm long. To market, strip off all leaves except for the small tuft at the top. Prior to eating, trim or peel off the outer skin to expose the edible central core. The stem pieces may then be stir fried, broiled, or used in salads.

AVG. PRECISION SEEDING RATE: 1,000 seeds/70m, 30g/1600metres.

SEED SPECS: SEEDS/30g: Avg. 26,000 seeds.