Lettuce Seeds - Summer 38 Celtuce
75-85 day maturity. Lactuca sativa var. asparagina ‘Summer 38 Celtuce’. Summer 38 Celtuce Lettuce Seeds. Non-GMO, cool-season annual heirloom. This variety of Chinese stem lettuce has pointed, light green leaves. Good tolerance to heat or cold and slow bolting. This celtuce can tolerate 100°F for a few days as it is slow bolting. This variety has superior stem development during the warm season. Contrary to popular belief, celtuce is not a cross between lettuce and celery; this idea rose to prevalence in the late 19th century upon its introduction to America. Approx. 18,500 seeds / oz.
Lettuce Seeds - Summer 38 Celtuce - Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Stem lettuce, asparagus lettuce, celtuce, Chinese lettuce, wo sun, wo ju sun, jing wo ju, tender stem lettuce, ngao lei shaang tsoi, woo chu, woh sun, or stemuretasu.
How to Grow Summer 38 Celtuce Lettuce
Prepare fertile, well-draining soil. In cool climates, sow seeds in spring after the last frost or in the late summer to early fall. Sow seeds in trays, then transplant them into an open field or sunny location. In temperate areas, sow in spring or fall. In tropical climates, sow year-round, avoiding the mid-summer. Seeds need light to germinate; do not bury. Keep soil moist; celtuce has a shallow root system and loves water. Moderate watering is required once the stems appear. Too little or too much water can cause cracking. Apply liquid fertilizer or compost tea every three weeks.
Harvesting Summer 38 Celtuce Lettuce
If desired, pick individual outer leaves before the plant is mature, being careful not to pick too many at any given time. Cut down the entire plant before flowering when the stems are at least 1” in diameter and 1” tall.
Culinary Tips
Use the young leaves in salad or cook them lightly. Eat the stalks fresh or cooked. Peel the outer skin and slice the stem; add to salads, pickled sides, soups, and stir-fries. Celtuce pairs well with meat, poultry, or fish. To preserve freshness, don’t remove the leaves from the stalk until you are ready to consume them.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“I have learned that stem lettuce is best when it is only lightly cooked for about 4 minutes. Try baking it au gratin!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 2 g packet - Approximately 1,300 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 18,500 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 74,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 296,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Lactuca sativa var. asparagina ‘Summer 38 Celtuce’ |
| Summer 38 Celtuce Lettuce Color: | Greenish-white stems, bright green leaves. |
| Summer 38 Celtuce Lettuce Flavor: | The stalks taste like a mild, nutty cucumber. The leaves taste slightly bitter and sweet. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 75-85 Days |
| Days to Germination: | 3-5 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | Uncovered. |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-18” |
| Growth Habit: | A compact rosette of leaves atop a stiff stem. |
| Soil Preference: | Moist, fertile soil. Avoid prolonged sogginess. |
| Temperature Preference: | 40-80℉ |
Other
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Susceptible to common lettuce aliments. Slugs and downy mildew can also be problematic. Where leaves are damaged, the stems remain edible. |