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Celtuce - Image 1
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Celtuce

$4.60/100 seeds

(Lactuca sativa var. augustana)

Celtuce is a variety of loose-leaf lettuce grown for its thick, celery-like stem and lettuce-like leaves, with the common names of Chinese lettuce, asparagus lettuce, or stem lettuce. The succulent, crisp stem is eaten raw or in stir-fries, while the leaves can be used in salads or steamed. The flavor is mild to slightly bitter, comparable to celery, with the outer skin sometimes being bitter and requiring peeling.

Please excuse the Bad small photo – I have realized I never took a proper picture of this crop and this measly baby stage was all I had..

Quick Facts:

  • also called stem lettuce, celery lettuce, asparagus lettuce, or Chinese lettuce
  • Grown Organically – untreated seeds
  • Heirloom Variety/ Open Pollinated
  • 40cm x 40cm

>>Grown in the West Tamar in Tasmania using organic (non certified)/permaculture principles focusing on soil health<<

Companion Planting:
• Good Neighbours: Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrot, Chervil, Cucumber, Lovage, Marjoram, Marigold (French), Onion, Parsnip, Pea, Radish, Strawberry, Zinnia.  Flowers provide shade to lettuce, as does tall plants like corn and beans while herbs provide insect protections.
• Bad Neighbours: not much dislikes the good old lettuce

 >>>Please see detailed growing instructions and additional information below.

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Additional information

Additional information

When to sow

Spring, Summer, Winter
Colour

Green
Garden Position

Part Shade, Raised Beds
Germination

5-10 days
Frost Hardy

Yes
Plant Height

20cm
Seed Depth

2mm
Plant Spacing

30cm, 40cm
Seed Status

Heirloom, Open Pollinated, Organically Grown
Growing Helpers

Aged Manure, Blood n Bone, COF – Complete organic fertilizer, Dolomite Lime, Epsom Salts, Good Airflow, High Nitrogen fertilizer, Mulch, Mushroom Compost, Phosphorus, Potash, Seamungas, Seasol, Seasol – powerfeed, Sugar Cane Mulch, Worm Wee
Sowing Temp

8-25oC
Soil Preferences

PH 6-7
Watering

Medium
How to Grow Lettuce
Growing instructions:
Sow direct and thin out to one strong plant every 20-30cm or start in seedling trays and plant out 4 weeks later. Start seeds indoors as soon as you notice spring bulbs coming up after winter solstice or when the frogs start croaking. Sow outdoors as soon as soil is workable in spring but be careful of some varieties in frosty areas. You can sow continuously until April but avoid the hottest months unless plantings are protected with afternoon shade. Start by planting seeds in light, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil in a cool-season environment. Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy, mulch to retain moisture, and keep the area weed-free. Protect lettuce from excessive heat by providing partial shade, and protect it from pests like slugs and snails. You can plant your seedling amongst other plants to help cover soil and provide shape to other root systems. You can harvest outer leaves as they grow or harvest the entire plant when it's ready. Lettuce thrives in soil that is light, loamy, and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Due to their compact root system, they can’t reach too far down so make sure the topsoil is fertile, well-draining and of a loamy structure.
As a cold season crop, lettuce prefers cooler temperatures for optimal growth and germination. 10 - 180C is prefered. Germination rates decline above 20oC. While lettuce needs sun, it appreciates partial shade in the summer to prevent bolting (going to seed) and to keep the leaves from becoming bitter.  Fertilize with Seasol or high nitrogen every few weeks, but not in the week before harvesting, and be sure to wash leaves before eating. When harvesting leave excess leaves and roots on top of the garden bed as it will act as a mulch, decompose quickly and give back to the soil.
  1. To germinate lettuce, sprinkle seeds on top of moist soil, as they need light to sprout, and cover them very lightly with soil or a fine layer of seed-raising mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, as it is vital for successful germination. Lettuce thrives in cool conditions, with ideal soil temperatures between 8–23°C , and germination typically occurs in 7–14 days. Steps to Germinate Lettuce 1. Prepare Your Medium: Fill trays or pots with a seed-raising mix or compost-rich soil and lightly moisten it. 2. Sow the Seeds: Scatter the tiny lettuce seeds evenly over the surface of the moist soil. 3. Lightly Cover: Gently smooth the soil over the seeds or lightly dust them with a bit more mix, ensuring they are not buried too deep. 4. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to support germination. 5. Provide Light & Temperature: Place the trays in a location with good light and a cool temperature, ideally between 10–23oC
 
  • Tips for Success > Use Fresh Seeds: Lettuce seed viability decreases quickly after about a year. > Don't Cover Too Deeply: If seeds are sown too deep, they may not be able to grow towards the light. > Monitor Temperature: Avoid planting in very hot or very cold soil, as this can lead to poor germination. In hot weather, you can provide shade. > Handle Moisture Carefully: Lettuce has shallow roots and requires regular watering. However, overwatering can lead to rotting, so ensure good drainage. > Transplant Carefully: Once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location. >Consider the Season: Lettuce is a cool-season crop. Planting in warmer months may require partial shade to prevent it from becoming bitter (bolting).