Variety traits

Vegetation period — leaf lettuce

Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa L.

The vegetation period of leaf lettuce determines the cultivar's earliness and is calculated from mass emergence to the formation of a marketable rosette of leaves, ranging from 25 to 130 days depending on conditions.

In the reference 8 varieties crop Leaf lettuce, where this is mentioned in the description.

In leaf lettuce, the vegetation period is measured in days from the moment of mass emergence until technical maturity is reached, when a marketable rosette suitable for harvesting is formed. Early-maturing cultivars reach this state in 25–40 days; however, under the influence of low temperatures or specific growing conditions, the period may extend to 80–130 days.

This indicator is critical for planning sequential production and preventing the plant from entering the bolting phase. An excessive extension of the period due to long daylight hours and high temperatures triggers bolting, which is accompanied by the accumulation of the alkaloid lactucin, making the leaves bitter and unsuitable for consumption.

The short developmental cycle of the crop requires precise adherence to agricultural practices, including the timing of nitrogen fertilizer application, which must be completed 7–10 days before harvest. Managing the duration of the vegetation period through cultivar selection and the use of protective covers allows for efficient planning of crop cycles and ensures continuous product supply.

General information about the subject — on the page Vegetation period.

Sources8

Varieties of Leaf lettuce mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.