Cracoviensis

(Lactuca sativa) Goodness, this lettuce is a dazzling beauty. It comes on fast and full with an open growth habit and slightly elongated, savoyed leaves that are a soft green blushed with red darkening to purple near the tips. Lovely and quick for salad mix but also incredible as a large (12-16”) loose head. The bolting stems, referred to as both “celtuce” and “asparagus lettuce” in China, are also peeled and eaten fresh or lightly sautéed. Described in Vilmorin’s “The Vegetable Garden” in 1885, it is a French heirloom that is as beautiful as it is versatile.