Valerianella locusta

Cultivation

It is sown directly to the garden, or possibly from seedlings. It grows already above 5 °C (41 °F), optimum temperatures for growth and development being around 18 °C (64 °F).

Distance between plants

At least 20 cm (8 in) between rows and at least 2 cm (0.8 in) between plants.

Location

Sunny.

Amount

At least 10 plants per person.

Time of planting

In august, sow in shade or put shades around. Sow in September and October to use in spring. It can also be sown in spring, until mid-April. It germinates in around four weeks.

Fertilization

It doesn’t need special fertilization; keeping the soil soft is enough. Excess or inappropriate fertilizing can result in excess nitrates in soil.

Watering

Water only when planting in the summer. Otherwise it grows in the period when there is enough water. Because it has shallow roots, it needs regular watering in times of drought.

Lamb’s lettuce’s good neighbors

Radicchio, beans, Chinese cabbage, broad beans, tomato, peppers, cucumbers, radish, sweet corn, strawberries.

Lamb’s lettuce’s bad neighbors

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Diseases and pests

Its main foe is weeds. You can avoid other problems by keeping the soil soft, preventing excess water to stay in the soil, not using garden covers and moderate fertilization.

Lamb’s lettuce’s storage

Cut constantly for regular use. Store in the fridge for a few days, unwashed and in airy bags.

Food

Fresh leaves like other leaf vegetables.

Important

Keep the soil soft. When planting in summer, water and shade the plants. The seeds don’t germinate the year we collect it – use older seeds or put fresh seeds in the freezer for a few days. Don’t store seeds in plastic bags.

Miscellaneous

It contains more vitamins and minerals than lettuce. Being a close relative of valerian it has a calming effect. It is an easy plant to cultivate, as it doesn’t need special care and can be sown together with overwintering radicchio.