How to Grow Celtuce
Lactuca sativa var. angustana
Half Hardy Cool Season Single Harvest
Celtuce is a Chinese salad vegetable grown for its thick, crunchy stem — the edible part once the outer skin is peeled. Sow in spring or autumn as a cool-season crop, spacing plants 30 cm apart. Harvest when stems are 2–3 cm thick before bolting. Keep soil moist and protect from heat to prevent premature flowering.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 7°C.
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Growth Stages
Sow seeds
Day 0 Germination
~7 days Harvest
~90 days Seed to harvest ~90 days
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Incorporate well-rotted compost before sowing. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at planting out and once mid-season to support stem development.
- Celtuce is grown primarily for its thick, fleshy stem rather than its leaves. It is a cool-season crop that bolts quickly in heat; grow in spring or autumn. Sow indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in mild weather.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 7°C+
- Germination temperature
- 10–20°C
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- Direct sow
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 7°C |
| Germination temperature | 10–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 3°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Celtuce?
- Plant Celtuce 30cm apart with 35cm between rows.
- Is Celtuce frost hardy?
- Celtuce is classified as Half Hardy.
