Celtuce (Stem lettuce)

Lactuca sativa var. angustana

Asparagus lettuce 'Celtuce' is a vegetable that is also called Chinese lettuce, celery lettuce and stem lettuce. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. The stem is also known as wosun. It is a unique vegetable as both the leaves and the stems can be eaten.

The leaves of 'Celtuce' are light green, thin and long, they grow along the stem and can be harvested from the bottom as the plant matures. They resemble lettuce leaves but have a crispy and crunchy texture. Younger leaves have a better taste, more mature leaves are best used in cooking. The taste is mild and slightly bitter and nutty, with a slight smoky aftertaste. Suitable for eating raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. Peel stems before using. The leaves can be tied together if they get large.

The stems of this vegetable are thick and upright, and have a non-fibrous and juicy texture. When ripe, the stalks can be harvested and enjoyed like asparagus, either boiled, steamed or grilled. Asparagus salad 'Celtuce' is nutritious and contains vitamins such as A, C and K as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron. It is also a source of fibre.

In the kitchen, asparagus salad 'Celtuce' is used in many different ways. It can be added to salads, wraps and sandwiches to give extra crunch and flavor. It can also be fried, stir-fried, grilled, roasted or used in soups and stews to provide a unique texture and flavor.

Height (finished plant): 30cm

Pre-cultivation: March - July. Sow in moistened seed soil. Keep moist, cover with plastic or put in mini greenhouse. When the plants are big enough to handle, put 1/pot in fertilized soil. Germination temperature: approx. 12-15°

Direct sowing: Spring or Fall, germination temperature: approx. 12-15°. Water before sowing and keep the seed moist until the seeds germinate.

Spacing: 35cm / 1 plant per GreenStalk pocket

Sowing depth: 0.5-1cm

Location: Sun to partial shade

Harvest time: June - September, harvest stem when the plant reaches 30cm in height

Germination time: approx. 7-14 days

Annual

Number of seeds: Sufficient for approx. 120 plants