What it is
Celtuce (Stem Lettuce) (Lactuca sativa augustana) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. Grown for its thick, crisp stem rather than leaves — a mild, celery-meets-lettuce crop for cool months.
How to grow it
It wants full sun to part shade, water it even, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 8–10 in apart. Expect roughly 45–80. Cool-season.
How it's used
Celtuce (Stem Lettuce) is used: stem peeled and cooked/raw; leaves young.
🔎 How to identify it
- Tall thick edible stem
- Lettuce-like leaves up the stalk
- Milky sap
Edibility
PartsStem and young leaves
UsesStem peeled and cooked/raw; leaves young
CautionBolts in heat like lettuce.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.