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4-H Horticulture Judging Contest

Beth Hinshaw
Extension Speclaist, SE
4-H Youth Development
K-State Research & Extension

620-496-8206

bhinshaw@ksu.edu

Lettuce

Scientific Name: Lactua sativa

Category: Vegetables and Herbs

Description:
Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that is fairly cold tolerant. However, the thin, fragile nature of the leaves makes them susceptible to freezes and drought. Lettuce is best grown as a spring or fall crop. There are several distinct types of lettuce:

  • Leaf types-Leaves are loosely arranged and colors range from green to deep red. Easily grown from seed
  • Romaine or cos-Forms a loose or soft head with thick, stronger flavored leaves
  • Butterhead-Tender, rounded leaves that form a soft head
  • Head or crisphead-Most reliably grown from transplants
  • Other leafy greans-Mixtures of lettuce and other greens are often sold as mesclun. Other greens in mix may include cress, arugula, sorrel, red russian kale, mizuna, pak choi, tatsoi, komatsuna, and orach.

 

 Buttercrunch Lettuce

Buttercrunch Lettuce

 Head Lettuce

Head Lettuce

 Assorted Lettuce

Assorted Lettuce