Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | |||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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 full sun in moisture-retentive soil. Early and late sowings may need protection from the cold using biodegradable fleece or cloches. See 'growing lettuce' in vegetable cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey mould (botrytis)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.