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Plant Informational Database

Sword Leaf Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

a.k.a. Pointed Leaf Lettuce, Yu Mai Tsai

An Asian variety of lettuce, distinct for its long, pointed, sword-like leaves. The young leaves are often used for cooking (though they can be used at any stage) and have a rather unique, strong, lettuce-like flavor. The variety is particularly popular both in Taiwan and parts of southern China. Standard use is in stir fry dishes.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Days to Maturity

45-60 days for standard use, though maturity does depend on which stage leaves are used.

Origin

The variety is of Asian origin.

Germination Info

Lettuce seeds are usually quite easy to sprout. Both the seeds and plants do best in slightly cooler weather, so plan on planting seeds when soil temperatures are below 70F.

1) Sowing seeds. Lettuce is amenable to direct sowing in the ground, but take care to protect for garden pests which will quickly eat or destroy a fragile seedling. For sprouting in containers, choose small containers or flats and plant seeds 1/4-1/2" deep in loose, well-draining soil. Soil temperature should be kept at 60-70F. Soil temperatures higher than 70F can inhibit germination and temperatures below 50F may do the same. If conditions are too warm but sprouting seeds is still desired, a trick is to put seeds in a wet paper towel, inside a ziplock bag. Put the bag into the refrigerator for 2-3 days then take the seeds out and sow. Properly sown seeds will generally germinate in 7-14 days.

2) Transplant/thinning. For direct sown seeds, thin seedlings to 8-12" apart, with rows up to 2-3' apart, to give mature plants room to spread out. For container sown seeds, wait until a few true leaves have developed and carefully transplant to desired location. If sprouted indoors, make sure to harden off seedlings for 3-5 days prior to transplanting. To harden off, move seedlings to a filtered light location outdoors where they can slowly adapt to sunlight and outdoor conditions.

3) Culture. Lettuce needs regular watering. Plants will grow best in loose, well-drained soils. Lettuce is very susceptible to nibbling by garden pests, particularly slugs and snails. Make sure to have proper slug barriers in place if slugs are a problem in your garden. Seeds can usually be stored for a minimum of three years.

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