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Annual Biennial

Lactuca sativa 'Tom Thumb'

lettuce (butterhead) 'Tom Thumb'

A fast-maturing annual/biennial lettuce which forms small, round, green heads and can be harvested in the summer. Good for pots and patio containers

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Lactuca can be annuals, biennials, perennials or shrubs, with alternate leaves, milky white sap and daisy-like flowers in white, yellow or blue. The genus includes a wide range of wild plants, as well as species cultivated for their edible leaves (lettuce)

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moisture retentive soil. For more information see lettuce cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to birds, slugs and snails and lettuce root aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Get involved

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