Lettuce
Romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Romaine lettuce, also called cos lettuce, belongs to Lactuca sativa in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its upright leaves form an elongated head, with a pale central rib that gives a particularly satisfying crunch. This vertical shape distinguishes it from rounder butterhead lettuces and the open rosettes of loose-leaf types. Romaine is a lettuce type containing many different varieties, rather than a single cultivar with identical characteristics wherever it is grown.The outer leaves are usually larger and more strongly coloured than those in the centre. Their surface may be slightly puckered, while the midrib forms a firm, fleshy part of each leaf. The heart contains more closely packed leaves, often paler in colour, with a mild flavour and crisp texture. Colour depends on the variety: some romaines are green, while others show red shades. 'Rosedale', for example, combines dark red and green foliage. This variety of colours adds interest to both…
