Plant trials
Virtual lettuce trial 2007
Information for schools
The RHS is trialling a number of cos and semi-cos lettuces in 2007. We thought it would be fun and informative to get as many people to participate as possible. We have selected three of the entries for you to try, one red, one green and one speckled combination of the two! Use the information below and let us have your feedback and photos using the questionnaire.
Find out more about the three lettuces
The RHS trial - follow the activities at Wisley week-by-week
Results
Once you have grown and started to harvest your lettuces please let us know how you got on by filling in the form.
Results form (.pdf document) (104KB)
Results form (.doc document) (78KB)
Did you know?
A little bit of history
It is believed that Lettuce originated from Egypt, there is evidence from Egyptian tomb paintings that lettuce was cultivated before 4,500 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans cultivated a cos-type lettuce; and records show that we were grown in China about 600 AD.
In Europe, cos lettuce is named after the Greek island of Kos in the Aegean Sea where the Romans discovered it. Cos is also known as Romaine lettuce as named by the Romans who believed it had healing properties. Emperor Caesar Augustus had a statue praising lettuce erected as he was convinced it cured an illness with which he was afflicted. Lettuce was popular among the Romans about the beginning of the Christian era, although it was boiled and served with oil and vinegar as a digestive aid and sedative and usually consumed after large meals. When the Romans conquered England, lettuce, eaten in the Roman way, was introduced to England. By the 16th century lettuce was eaten raw in salads as it is now and was believed to cool the stomach, act as a sedative and quench thirst.
Health benefits
Lettuces are a good source of many vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamins B1 & B2, Beta-Carotene, beneficial for growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes and are also known to be a good source of dietary fibre.
How to use
As well as making a tasty, crispy addition to sandwiches, lettuces are well known for being the main ingredient in many salads.
Why not try making some different recipes at home or at school. How about a bread-free sandwich, try wrapping your favourite ingredients in a lettuce leaf!