Lettuce: Bibb (Heirloom) (Lactuca sativa)
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General Information
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Soil Preparation & Start Indoors
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Transplant Outdoors & Start Outdoors
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Crop Care
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Harvesting & Storage
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Seed Saving
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Culinary & Medicinal
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Companion Planting
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Nutrition & Health Benefits
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Other Uses
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 60-65 days, Fall/Winter 65-70 days
Hardiness: Half Hardy. This bolt-resistant summer lettuce is adaptable to warmer climates.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season: Long
Growing Conditions: Cool, Warm. Lettuce needs to grow quickly for best quality. This can only be done by giving the plants everything they need. Does best when planted in early spring or late summer. The young plants are vulnerable to weeds, so keep well weeded. Their roots are shallow so be careful with the hoe. Does best when planted in early spring or late summer. Lettuce likes full sun except in hot summer climates where it prefers some shade, especially in the afternoon. Add plenty of compost to the soil to encourage rapid growth. Water evenly and moderately to prevent bitterness.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 45°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 40°F. When: Lettuce germinates quite well in cool (40˚ F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚ F (after this it gets erratic).
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool). In cool climates Lettuce needs full sun.
Water: Moderate. Lettuce is largely composed of water and it responds to irrigation by giving a larger and better tasting harvest. If you think the plants might need water they probably do.
Feeder: Heavy. Lettuce has a weak root system and isn't a very efficient feeder, so the soil needs to be quite fertile. Its main requirement is for nitrogen, but it also needs moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. Lettuce is fairly easy to grow in containers, either individually or as a cut-and-come-again crop. Head lettuce does well when grown singly in individual containers, or in groups (space Red Ridinghood lettuce plants about 10" apart) in larger containers. Put plants in a cool place and keep them well watered.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Forage: Rabbits. no nutritional value, may cause diarrhea!
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 8-12"
Plant Diameter: 4-6"
Produces: loose heads with light green leaves.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Garden Uses: Also ornamentally effective in beds and borders or as an edger. May be grown in containers with other cool weather annuals.
Soil Preparation
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5, Ideal 6.8-7.0: Lettuce needs to grow fast for best quality, which requires a good soil. It should be fertile, moisture retentive, well drained and rich in organic matter. The pH isn't particularly important. Light soils that warm up quickly are good for early lettuce.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2", in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Prepare the soil by adding 2˝ of compost or aged manure (unlike most plants it is also happy with fresh manure). This needn't be dug in very deeply as Lettuce is quite shallow-rooted (the weak roots only penetrate about 4˝ to 8˝).
For very early crops you might want to prepare the soil the previous fall.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: A standard mix should be incorporated along with the compost, to supply additional nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Start Indoors
Soil temp for germination: 35°F to 85°F, optimal 50°F to 70°F, optimal 60°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 8-9 (Spring/Summer), 9 to 10 (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
5-6 weeks before last frost date: Head lettuce is less hardy than the leaf types, so is usually started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. Lettuce is commonly grown from transplants as this gives the fastest harvest and saves on bed space. Seedlings are easily raised and don’t mind root disturbance, so you can use flats, cell packs, plug trays or soil blocks. It is said that some kinds of Lettuce need light for germination. This is easy to arrange, just don’t cover the seed with soil. Of course you must then take extra care to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
11-12 weeks before first frost date: Lettuce is commonly grown from transplants as this gives the fastest harvest and saves on bed space. Seedlings are easily raised and don’t mind root disturbance, so you can use flats, cell packs, plug trays or soil blocks. It is said that some kinds of Lettuce need light for germination. This is easy to arrange, just don’t cover the seed with soil. Of course you must then take extra care to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Transplant Outdoors
6-8 weeks before first frost date: Seedlings can be planted out 6 - 8 weeks before the first frost date. Lettuce transplants easily in cool weather. If the weather still hot and dry try planting lettuce in the shade of other plants.
Cool, Warm: Lettuce needs to grow quickly for best quality. This can only be done by giving the plants everything they need. Does best when planted in early spring or late summer. The young plants are vulnerable to weeds, so keep well weeded. Their roots are shallow so be careful with the hoe. Does best when planted in early spring or late summer. Lettuce likes full sun except in hot summer climates where it prefers some shade, especially in the afternoon. Add plenty of compost to the soil to encourage rapid growth. Water evenly and moderately to prevent bitterness.
When outdoor temp: 45°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 40°F. When: Lettuce germinates quite well in cool (40˚ F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚ F (after this it gets erratic).
Spacing: 4.0", 9 plants per sq ft. Crowded plants don't produce large heads and won't grow rapidly, which is important if you are to grow the best tasting lettuce. Butterhead lettuce is normally grown 6 to 12" apart, with 12" between rows, depending upon variety. Summer Bibb lettuce can be grown as close as 4" together. Lettuce is commonly direct sown in shallow rows called drills, staggered with 1" between the plants and 5" between the rows. When large varieties are about 4" high they can be thinned to the required spacing. Carefully sowing of seed can reduce the need for thinning, although the thinned lettuce leaves are quite tasty, and can be used to make a small "baby greens" salad.
Support: No
Start Outdoors
When outdoor temp: 45°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 40°F. When: Lettuce germinates quite well in cool (40˚ F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚ F (after this it gets erratic).
Seed Depth: 0.25"-0.75". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and up to 3/4" deep (where it is cooler) in warm soil.
Spacing: 4", 9 plants per sq ft. Crowded plants don't produce large heads and won't grow rapidly, which is important if you are to grow the best tasting lettuce. Butterhead lettuce is normally grown 6 to 12" apart, with 12" between rows, depending upon variety. Summer Bibb lettuce can be grown as close as 4" together. Lettuce is commonly direct sown in shallow rows called drills, staggered with 1" between the plants and 5" between the rows. When large varieties are about 4" high they can be thinned to the required spacing. Carefully sowing of seed can reduce the need for thinning, although the thinned lettuce leaves are quite tasty, and can be used to make a small "baby greens" salad.
Spring Crop:
2-4 weeks after last frost date: Lettuce is commonly direct sown in drills, with 1˝ between the plants and 5˝ between the rows. Plant at a depth of 1/4˝ in cold soil and up to ¾˝ deep in warm soil. When the plants are about 4˝ high, they can be thinned to the required spacing. The thinnings can either be eaten, or replanted elsewhere at the final spacing. Transplanting will slow them down a little, which helps to extend the harvest. Careful sowing of seed can reduce the need for thinning.
Fall Crop:
11-13 weeks before first frost date: Sow fall Lettuce 11 to 13 weeks before the first fall frost date. Pests are very active at this time, so you may want to start them inside or in a protected place. Plant up to ¾˝ deep in warm soil.
Support: No
Water Needs: Moderate. Lettuce is largely composed of water and it responds to irrigation by giving a larger and better tasting harvest. If you think the plants might need water they probably do.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Lettuce has a weak root system and isn't a very efficient feeder, so the soil needs to be quite fertile. Its main requirement is for nitrogen, but it also needs moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
Watering, after transplanting: Water, 0.5 inch(es), after transplanting, 2 times a week
Keep the soil evenly moist at all times, but never soggy. Good watering practices can help offset the negative effects of summer heat, so it is important to keep the soil constantly moist. In hot weather this may mean watering every other day. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 1" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Thinning, when 4" tall: when 4" tall. If you desire delicious young tender Lettuce you can plant Lettuce closer together than the variety requirements but you must constantly thin the outer leaves beginning when the plant is around 4 inches tall. This also helps Lettuce from bolting.
Side Dressing, when 4" tall: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., when 4" tall, 1 time
If your soil is not as rich as it could be, give the plants a feed of compost tea or liquid kelp about a month before harvest. This is especially important with the crisphead varieties.
Side Dressing, to cool soil: Mulch, 1 layer(s), to cool soil, 1 time.
Optional: This helps to conserve soil moisture, keeps down weeds and helps to keep the plants clean. Mulch can also be used to keep the soil cool in hot weather (apply it early). Omit this if you have a problem with slugs & snails; using mulch may harbor lettuce loving slugs.
Support: No
Harvesting
Traditionally the whole plant is cut off at the base. If you leave a few leaves on the stem, rather than cutting at actual ground level, the head will be cleaner. The stem remaining in the ground may then continue to grow and sprout new leaves. It may even grow some little lettuces. Harvest when the heads are firm. Don't wait for them to reach full maturity, as they will bolt soon afterward (picking individual leaves may even slow down bolting).
Storage
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-14 days
Leaf lettuce has thin leaves and won’t keep for much more than a week.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-7 days
Head lettuce can present a problem when it comes to seed saving. The head may be so dense that the flower stalk may not be able to get out. If this is the case, you may have to cut an X in the top of the head, to enable the flower stem to emerge (as you would with a cabbage). If the flower stem is very big you may have to stake it, to prevent it from falling over when it gets loaded with seed.
The yellow flowers are followed, 2 to 3 weeks later, by fuzzy seed heads. Gather the seed as it ripens by holding a paper bag over the head and shaking. The seed ripens sequentially, so you must collect it every few days to get all the ripe seed. Keep on collecting until you have all the seed you need, or until it is blown away by the wind. Alternatively you can cut the entire head when about 50% of the seed has ripened and dry it in a paper grocery bag. Clean the seed as much as possible, then dry and store it in a cool place. Newly harvested seed usually won't germinate for a couple of months.
Lettuce Mosaic virus can be seed borne so watch out for it if you save your own seed, or swap seed with others.
Seed Viability in Years: 2-5 Years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Culinary
Culinary Use: This type of leaf produces a buttery, smooth delicate flavor, it's the buttery characteristic that makes this a popular choice. The primary use is to make salads with dressing, and it's a favorite choice of the French. The shape of the leaf lends it self to being used as a vessel or wrap which can be filled with vegetables, meat or fish.
Leaves: raw or cooked. A mild slightly sweet flavor with a crisp texture, lettuce is a very commonly used salad leaf and can also be cooked as a potherb or be added to soups etc.
Seed: sprouted and used in salads or sandwiches. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. The seed is very small, extraction of the oil on any scale would not be very feasible.
Medicinal
Companion Planting
Allies: Dill and lettuce are a perfect pair. May be grown in containers with other cool weather annuals such as petunias and pansies.
Enemies: Keep lettuce away from cabbage. Cabbage is a deterrent to the growth and flavor of lettuce.
Problems:
Aphids
Hornets, Paper Wasps, and Yellow Jackets all prey on aphids.
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Soft-winged Flower Beetle or Collops Beetle: Collops beetles are commonly found on Alfalfa and Cotton plants in agricultural fields, landscapes and gardens. The adult eats aphids and the larvae are active predators in the soil. Two abundant species in Utah are the two-spotted melyrid and the soft-winged flower beetle. Collops beetles are not commercially available.
Soldier Beetles: The adult stage of the soldier beetle eats aphids. The larvae live in the soil and help to control soil-borne pests. There are beetles that look similar to soldier beetles such as blister beetles and click beetles, so use care when identifying them. Soldier beetles are not commercially available.
Since Soldiers Beetles lay their eggs in the soil, all you have to do to is grow good nectar or pollen producing plants like Asclepias (milkweed), Solidago (goldenrod), and, while it’s not well understood, they seem particularly attracted to hydrangeas. Soldier Beetles can be found on flowers where they lie and wait for prey. They also feed on nectar and pollen but do not damage the plants.
Long-legged Flies: There are many species of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae), the adults of which are predators of soft-bodied pests such as thrips, aphids, spider mites, flea hoppers, booklice, flies, silverfish, small caterpillars, and a variety of other small insects. They also eat nectar from flowers. The adult is recognized by the long legs and tapered abdomen but also by the metalic green or blue color. Larvae of long-legged flies are maggot-like in appearance and develop in wet or dry soil, rotting vegetation, or under bark. They are not commercially available.
Syrphid, Flower, or Hover Flies: Syrphid flies are about the size of house flies and hover in flight. The adults, which sometimes resemble bees, are not predaceous, but the larvae are aphid predators. The larvae vary in color from green to brown, some with a stripe or two down the back. The body tapers to the mouthparts. Syrphid flies are not commercially available.
To attract Hover Flies to your garden try growing: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina),
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), \Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris),
Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia), Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
Predaceous Midges: The larvae of these flies are very small (~1/10 inch long), but are generalist predators of mites, aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The larvae are yellow to orange in color. The adults are not predatory. Predaceous midges are commercially available.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Big-eyed bugs are small (~3/16 inch long), fast moving true bugs. They are generalist predators and are most commonly seen on the ground or in shorter growing plants. They prey on aphids, small caterpillars and caterpillar eggs, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies. They are distinguished by their very large eyes which are as broad as the width of their body. Big-eyed bugs are not available commercially.
To attract Big-eyed bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Minute Pirate Bugs: Minute pirate bugs are very small (~1/12 inch long) predators that are difficult to see without a hand lens or jeweler’s loupe. They are generalist predators that feed on small insect prey. Both the nymphs and adults are predaceous. The adults are identified by the black and white color and an X pattern across the back. The nymphs are tiny and red to orange in color. Minute pirate bugs are commercially available.
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata),
Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Parasitic Wasps: There are several species of parasitoid wasps that parasitize aphids specifically. Parasitic wasps that specialize on aphids are very small (~1/8 inch long) and female wasps have a modified stinger for depositing eggs. The egg is injected into an aphid where the larva develops inside. Parasitized aphids are a light tan to gold color and have a bulbous look. A circular cut out on the rearend of the aphid indicates adult wasp emergence. Parasitic wasps are commercially available but there are abundant populations in the environment.
Hornets, Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Snails & Slugs
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: Evening Primrose, Amaranthus, and Clover.
Earwig: prey on Slugs and Snails.
To attract Earwigs to your garden you will need to grow: Celery (Apium graveolens), Beets (Beta vulgaris, Cabbages, Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea/Brassica rapa), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Dahlia, Carrot (Daucus carota), Carnation (Dianthus), Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), Hop (Humulus lupulus), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), Apple (Malus domestica), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), Plum (Prunus domestica), Peach (Prunus persica), European Pear (Pyrus communis), Rhubarb (Rheum hybridum), Roses (Rosa), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Potato (Solanum tuberosum), Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), Corn (Zea mays), Zinnia.
Leaf Miners
Whiteflies
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Nutrition
The Health Benefits of Lettuce
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Lettuce possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling inflammation. In experimental models, lettuce extracts have shown significant controlling power over inflammation induced by biocatalysts like lipoxygenase and carrageenan.
Protects Neuronal Cells: Neurons are brain cells that form physical connections to make up memory. The death of neurons in particular connections or circuits can result in the loss of memory. In some extreme cases, significant neuronal death can result in the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s. The extracts from lettuce showed considerable control of neuron cell death due to its role in glucose/serum deprivation (GSD). The research has also mentioned that lettuce has the potential to be used in neuro-protection as a common remedy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Lettuce can be beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels that often lead to cardiovascular disease and other dangerous conditions. High cholesterol levels, particularly LDL or bad cholesterol levels, are harmful and can cause heart attacks and strokes. A study was conducted on mice to test the impact of lettuce consumption on fat and cholesterol. The results indicated a significant reduction of cholesterol levels compared to mice that weren’t fed lettuce. Lipid peroxidation was observed in most cases, which was concluded to be responsible for important this form of cholesterol control.
Induces Sleep: One of the major traditional uses of lettuce in Unani medicine was its use as a sleep inducer. Research into the extracts of lettuce resulted in the isolation of a depressant chemical. This chemical, when administered in experimental animals, showed significant sedative effects. Decreased heart rate and ventricular contractions were also observed. This particular chemical acts by blocking the excitatory signal processes of muscular and neural tissues.
Antioxidant Properties: Studies have shown that lettuce possesses antioxidants with significant free radical-scavenging capabilities. Antioxidants are a wide range of bio-chemicals that are mostly found in our diet; they are also very necessary for human health. Antioxidants act as barriers to free radicals, which are produced during cellular metabolism. These free radicals attack healthy tissues, cells and the DNA inside them. They can often cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer cells. The result is the development of various diseases. Antioxidants on the other hand, counteract these free radicals and neutralize them before the free radical attacks take place.
Antimicrobial Properties: The latex of lettuce possesses antimicrobial properties. Candida albicans and a number of other yeasts were completely deformed upon coming into contact with the latex from lettuce. Biochemicals that are considered to possess these antimicrobial properties are the terpens and cardenolids, as well as enzymes like glucanases.
Controls Anxiety: The neurological properties of lettuce have long been suggested and exploited during ancient times and the Middle Ages in medical treaties such as the Unani system. Detailed research in recent times has led to the conclusion that lettuce possesses anxiolytic properties. When lab animals were given lettuce extracts, their locomotive activity was reduced, suggesting considerable anxiolysis.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Lettuce leaf extracts can control certain type of cancer. Research on human cancer cells, particularly leukemia cells and breast cancer cells, were controlled to a significant extent after being treated with lettuce extracts. The experiments also suggested that the weight ratio of human lettuce consumption required to kill 50% of leukemia cells would be 3 kg.
Side Effects of Lettuce:
Food allergies are the abnormal response of the immune system to certain types of food that the body recognizes as harmful. In most cases, the reasons for food allergies are unknown. Food allergies that result in anaphylaxis are the worst kind and according to the Centre for Disease Control, they are on the rise.
Studies have shown that even lettuce can produce allergies and the allergen proteins have been identified. People who already suffer from food allergies are generally at risk when trying new foods. So, a word of caution is advised while eating lettuce for the first time. Try skin prick testing before eating it, just to be sure. However, aside from the unlikely event of having a food allergy to lettuce, it is a healthy and beneficial food!
Suggested Varieties
Amaranth: Love Lies Bleeding (Heirloom) (Amaranthus caudatus)
Amaranth: Perfecta (Heirloom) (Amaranthus Tricolor 'Perfecta')
Amaranth: Red Garnet (Heirloom) (Amaranthus tricolor)
Balm: Lemon (Melissa officinalis)
Beans: Black Turtle (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beans: Blue Lake Bush #274 (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Sold out
Beans: Contender Bush (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beans: Gold Rush Yellow Wax (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beans: Kentucky Wonder Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Sold out
Beans: Lazy Housewife Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beans: Pinto (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beans: Red Yard Long (Heirloom) (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis)
Sold out
Bean: Royalty Purple Pod Green (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beets: Cylindra (Heirloom) (Beta vulgaris)
Beets: Detroit Dark Red (Heirloom) (Beta vulgaris)
Beets: Golden Detroit (Heirloom) (Beta vulgaris)
Beets seem to have originated in the Mediterranean region, where people grew them for thousands of years. Later, beets grew in Germany and Holland and were used as cattle fodder; they were later imported to England for this purpose, but the poor began to raise them for an affordable food source. American colonists later brought them to the New World, where they became a commonly enjoyed food both for their roots and their greens. According to historians, George Washington experimented with beets, cross-pollinating them to create new varieties.
Bergamot: Wild (Monarda fistulosa)
Broccoli: Green Sprouting Calabrese (Organic) (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Broccoli: Purple Sprouting (Heirloom) (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Broccoli: Waltham 29 (Heirloom) (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
English Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Caraway (Carum carvi)
Carrots: Chantenay Red Cored (Heirloom) (Daucus carota)
Carrots: Cosmic Purple (Heirloom) (Daucus carota)
Carrots: Danvers (Heirloom) (Daucus carota)
Carrots: Rainbow Blend (Heirloom) (Daucus carota)
Carrots: Scarlet Nantes (Heirloom) (Daucus carota)
Carrots: Tendersweet (Heirloom) (Daucus carota)
Cauliflower: Snowball Y Improved (Heirloom) (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
Celery: Tendercrisp (Heirloom) (Apium graveolens var. dulce)
Celery: Utah Tall 52/70 (Heirloom) (Apium graveolens var. dulce)
Chives: Garlic (Allium tuberosum)
Chives: Onion (Allium schoenoprasum var. album)
Clover: Crimson (Trifolium incarnatum)
Clover: Purple Prairie (Dalea purpurea)
Coriander: Leisure (Coriandrum sativum)
Corn: Country Gentleman-Open Pollinated (Heirloom) (Zea mays)
Corn: Golden Bantam-Open Pollinated (Heirloom) (Zea mays)
Corn, Popcorn: Shaman's Blue (Hybrid) Open Pollinated (Zea mays)
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Blue corn originated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, where the native peoples usually ground it into flour for cooking. Indians of Mexico and the southwestern United States also widely used this corn, since its dryness made it an excellent flour corn and gave it good resistance to disease. This exciting blue popcorn receives high marks for both visual and taste appeal. The unique blue/purple kernel pops into mounds of snow white popcorn that will satisfy any popcorn lover with its slightly sweet flavor.
Corn, Popcorn: South American Yellow (Zea mays)
According to evidence found by archaeologists on the northern coast of Peru, popcorn was a staple in the ancient civilizations of South America. Popcorn also grew above the border, and it once occupied a space in nearly every American garden. At the beginning of the twentieth century, 52 varieties of popcorn were offered by the seed catalogs of the time. A wise choice for popcorn lovers! This prolific variety bears 2-3, 6-9 inch ears per plant. When popped, the large yellow kernels produce a buttery tasting popcorn.
Corn, Popcorn: Strawberry Red (Zea Mays)
Although it's exact origin is unknown, it is believed that Strawberry Red Popcorn was domesticated by the Olmec and the Mayans. Not only is this amazing variety edible, but it is just as decorative. Each plant grows to 5-6' and bares two or so 2-3" strawberry shaped ears that are covered with brilliant burgundy kernels! Your mind will be blown as you watch the red kernels pop into white popcorn with in the blink of eye!
Cosmos: Bright Lights (Cosmos sulphureus)
Cosmos: Candy Stripe (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos: Radiance (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cucumber: Lemon (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Marketmore 76' (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Mexican Sour Gherkin (Heirloom) (Melothria scabra)
Cucumber: National Pickling (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Straight Eight (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Sumter (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: White Wonder (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
This high yielding ivory white cucumber variety was introduced into the U.S. and first offered by Burpee Seed Company in 1893. White Wonder Cucumbers are delicious raw, in salads, or pickled.
Cucumber: Wisconsin SMR 58 (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Dill: Dukat (Anethum graveolens)
Fennel: Florence (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum)
Marigolds: Naughty Marietta (Tagetes patula)
Marigolds: Sparky Mix French (Tagetes patula)
Marigold: White (Tagetes Erecta 'Kilimanjaro')
Commonly called African marigold, Aztec marigold, American marigold or big marigold, is native to Mexico and Central America. Big marigold may be the best descriptive name because plants are noted for their large flowerheads. They typically grow from 1-4’ tall and feature huge, mostly double-globular flowers (2-4” diameter) in various shades of yellow, orange, and whitish. This variety is unaffected by high summer heat and generally blooms throughout the summer.
Milkweed: Blood Flower (Asclepias curassavica)
Milkweed: Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Milkweed: Common (Asclepias syriaca)
Milkweed: Showy (Asclepias speciosa)
Milkweed: Swamp (Asclepias incarnata)
As the name indicates, these swamp milkweed seeds for sale thrive in swamps and low meadows or along streams. The bright pink flowers attract swarms of bees and butterflies, and have a sweet scent described as similar to vanilla or cinnamon. At one time, the silk from swamp milkweed seed pods was spun for fabric or used for stuffing pillows; in World War II, school children gathered the silk to provide a cheap filling for soldiers' life jackets. Commercial attempts to make use of this abundant plant included the manufacture of paper, fabric, lubricant, fuel, and rubber; eventually these became impractical and were abandoned. Though this plant is toxic to most animals, butterflies are immune to the plant's poison and actually become rather poisonous themselves as protection from predators.
Mint: Pennyroyal (Mentha Pulegium)
Mint: Spear (Mentha spicata)
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