Lettuce (Sugar loaf)

Plant family

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Sugarloaf is classified among chicory salads and is also called meat cabbage, chicory salad or chicory salad. The name sugarloaf comes not from the taste, but the shape. Like radicchio and chicory, it is derived from the common chicory and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Sugarloaf heads grow between 25-35 cm long with oval, dull green to light yellow leaves. The slight bitterness in flavor increases with the age of the plants, but decreases slightly with night frosts. Spicy nutty aroma.

Growing tips

A sheltered, sunny location with deep (due to taproot), humus-rich soil is preferred, but generally undemanding. Does not need to be pre-germinated. Germination after approx. 8 days at 20-25°C. Sowing soil is recommended. Separate after 4 weeks at the latest. Protect from cold to prevent sprouting. Remove weeds regularly. Frost-hardy down to -6°C (depending on variety). Harvest possible until November. Can be overwintered in a greenhouse or under foil, but not outdoors. For a longer storage period, harvest the root as well. Can be planted well after spinach or peas.