The Canasta lettuce variety is a traditional Italian variety widely consumed in Italy alongside the Romaine Lettuce. The Canasta lettuce forms a compact head with a central heart that fills up and fleshy outer leaves. Just like the batavia type lettuce, typically the outer leaves will have red to brown edges. The canasta lettuce taste is more pronounced than the Romaine lettuce making it perfect for these nice crunchy spring, summer and autumn salads. This lettuce is vigorous and is ideal as a spring and autumn lettuce.
Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 16C
Germination time in days: 7-15 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 60-80 days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: rich and well drained
Sowing and cultivation: Sow lettuce seeds indoors from February to May for Spring summer harvest or August to September for autumn harvest. Sow 3 or 4 seeds in a pot over the top of regular compost, water gently, lightly cover with. Seeds sprout in 7-15 days. Keep soil temperature above 16C. Place in a warm, bright spot, such as a sunny windowsill, and water regularly to keep the compost moist. When the seedlings are large enough to handle and have their first true leaves, transplant into their final growing space. Distance plants by 30 cm apart.
