Valerianella locusta
lamb's lettuce
An annual producing a rosette of soft, spoon-shaped, edible leaves up to 15cm long. Clusters of tiny, blue-white flowers are produced on upright stems in spring
Synonyms
Valerianella olitoria
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Valerianella are rosette-forming annuals, with tiny, bluish or pinkish flowers clustered in flat heads on multi-branched, upright stems
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in a sunny or semi-shaded position. Normally sown in late summer or autumn for winter salads, protecting with cloches in very harsh weather
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Normally disease free
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