Lactuca sativa var. angustana Seeds | Asparagus Lettuce
LATIN NAME: Lactuca sativa var. Angustana
COMMON NAME: Asparagus Lettuce, Celtuce
Plant Profile
Asparagus Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Angustana) is a distinctive species. The blooms are worked steadily by bees for as long as they are open. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Lactuca group, Lactuca sativa var. Angustana is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Culinary research has also documented its traditional preparation methods across regional Chinese cuisine, where stem is typically peeled and either stir-fried or eaten raw in salads. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Asparagus Lettuce brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Its distinctive dual-purpose nature makes it an interesting, less common addition to a home vegetable garden. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Lettuce began as wild lettuce, whose bitter latex, lactucarium, was the lettuce opium of Victorian calming syrups; garden lettuce is a folate-rich staple green, and stem lettuce, celtuce, is a crunchy Asian delicacy.
Growing from Seed
Asparagus Lettuce is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow seed into a loose, well-drained mix at a shallow depth, keeping it consistently moist until germination is complete. Cool weather suits this crop well, similar to other lettuce types, and characteristic thick stem develops as plant matures, ready for harvest once it reaches a good, substantial size before plant bolts to flower. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Once established, Asparagus Lettuce, Celtuce largely looks after itself. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Asparagus Lettuce often pair it with these related subjects: