Lactuca indica, commonly known as Indian lettuce or edible lettuce, is a leafy green vegetable native to Asia. Here are some key points about it:
Characteristics
Leaves: The leaves are typically broad and tender, with a slightly serrated edge. They can vary in color from light green to dark green.
Growth Habit: Indian lettuce is an annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It produces a rosette of leaves at the base, with flowering stalks that emerge later.
Culinary Uses
Edibility: Both young and mature leaves are edible. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in various dishes.
Flavor: The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, making it a versatile ingredient in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
Growing Tips
Climate: Indian lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, thriving in spring and fall. It can bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil is ideal. Incorporating compost can enhance growth.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Light: It grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Harvesting
Timing: Leaves can be harvested when they reach a suitable size, usually around 4 to 6 inches.
Method: Cut the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a prolonged harvest.
Propagation
Seeds: Indian lettuce can be grown from seeds, which can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors.
Lactuca indica is not only nutritious but also easy to grow, making it a great addition to home gardens!
*Sunlight: Full Sun
*Water: Water when soil feels dry to the touch, do not over-water.
*Fertiliser: Keep your plant in top form by feeding it every few weeks with a dilute solution of liquid fertiliser or soild fertiliser over the soil.
*Plant size: approx. 50cm (vary in sizes)
*Rootball size: 26cmØ x 22mH
*Pot type: Plant comes in a landscape pot (with drainage holes)
* Product photo shown is for reference only. Actual plant colour, type, size and arrangement may differ from photo.
*Kindly take note when you're purchasing matching pot, the diameter has to be larger than the rootball size.
