PINK ASPARAGUS LETTUCE SEEDS

Lactuca sativa var. asparagina

ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC

An old celtuce. Described by Vilmorin as having “reddish stems and bronzy leaves", this unusual strain is also known as “Cracoviensis". Celtuce is rare the US outside of certain markets, but production has never waned in China, where the thick bolted stems are sold as a vegetable. Indeed, they are succulent and delicious when peeled and steamed, although they can also be served raw as crudite, stir-fried, or braised. They are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and are a nice alternative for those who don't appreciate the funk of Brassicas in traditional Chinese recipes.

Leaves are long broad undulating straps mottled with red and bronze, emanating from a dark dense rosette. Leaves do not head, but continue their broad, outward expansion until warm weather causes the whole thing to heave out of the ground, perched upon a long scaled stem. It is likely that at some time in the very distant past this lettuce was selected and cultivated for the sole purpose of harvesting this crazy stem.

If eating bolted lettuce stems is just too goofy for you, rest assured that the young profusion of leaves is equally esculent, and their extraordinary size makes them especially appropriate for sandwiches. Pink Asparagus Lettuce is also extremely hardy, and has been known to overwinter in zone 6 without protection.

Sow directly in to the garden in early spring or late summer. Or start seed indoors around four weeks before transplanting in early spring. In a 72 cell flat press seeds into moist soil and just barely dust with additional soil or fine vermiculite and mist. Cover tray with plastic to maintain moisture. Kept moist in bright light at around 60°F, seeds should germinate within a week. Thin seedlings to one per cell. Keep cool and moist and transplant before seedlings become rootbound. Harvest individual leaves as necessary while you wait for the plant to bolt. Seeds sown in late summer may not bolt until the following spring.

Packet contains at least 300 seeds.