Saving Seeds Bulletin No 4: Lettuce

ASTERACEAE- LETTUCE

The Asteraceae family is a large family including Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Arctium lappa (gobo) Chichorium endivia (endive), Cynara scolymus (artichoke), Helianthus annuus (sunflower) Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke) and Taraxicum officianale (dandelion). The flowers of this family are all perfect but are not all in-breeders.

Lettuce is one of the easiest plants for the beginner to save seed from. This common garden plant is an in-breeder, though it will cross readily with wild lettuce growing within 200 feet.

The seed stalk of lettuce has many small florets, which all produce one seed. These florets all open on one day. Within a few hours pollen is released, the stigma becomes receptive and the flowers close back up.

To isolate, 10-25 ft are recommended between varieties, or bagging/caging different varieties until the flowers start to dry.

Seeds are ready between 2-3 weeks after flowering. Seeds should be left on the plant to dry, but because not all seeds mature at the same time, harvesting should happen regularly to ensure maximum amounts of seed. A healthy plant can produce thousands of seeds.

To harvest, simply shake plants over a tarp or large bag, or pull the entire plant when all seeds are ready and shake upside down in a bag.