Lessons Learned: Lettuce
We've learned a thing or two about growing lettuce this season. Having grown a looseleaf variety like Black-Seeded Simpson and a head-lettuce variety like Romaine, each plant requires different levels of attention.
Black-Seeded Simpson is a very delicate plant. It likes cool weather and did not grow well this fall. Heavy rainfall is particularly damaging to the plant, causing it to droop and hang low the ground, which invites leaf rot and pests. Consider providing some sort of protection if rain is forecast. Making two or three small harvests rather than waiting for one large harvest seems to take weight off the main stem and allows the plant to remain upright. Next spring, we'll plant several containers of Black-Seeded Simpson. The cooler weather will likely make a big difference. The best part about this plant is its wonderfully delicate taste and texture. It's unlike anything found in big supermarkets.
Romaine, on the other hand, is a lot easier to grow. (Actually, the pictured lettuce may not be romaine. This plant grew from seed labeled Boston Bibb. Obviously the seed company made a mistake, so I'm not too sure what variety this is.) While it does take more time to reach maturity, it is far more resistant to the weather and requires less maintenance. As with the Black-Seeded Simpson, this plant grew better in the spring than in the fall.
Black-Seeded Simpson is a very delicate plant. It likes cool weather and did not grow well this fall. Heavy rainfall is particularly damaging to the plant, causing it to droop and hang low the ground, which invites leaf rot and pests. Consider providing some sort of protection if rain is forecast. Making two or three small harvests rather than waiting for one large harvest seems to take weight off the main stem and allows the plant to remain upright. Next spring, we'll plant several containers of Black-Seeded Simpson. The cooler weather will likely make a big difference. The best part about this plant is its wonderfully delicate taste and texture. It's unlike anything found in big supermarkets.
Romaine, on the other hand, is a lot easier to grow. (Actually, the pictured lettuce may not be romaine. This plant grew from seed labeled Boston Bibb. Obviously the seed company made a mistake, so I'm not too sure what variety this is.) While it does take more time to reach maturity, it is far more resistant to the weather and requires less maintenance. As with the Black-Seeded Simpson, this plant grew better in the spring than in the fall.
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