What it is
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. Cut-and-come-again leaf types beat heading types in Texas — harvest outer leaves and it regrows.
How to grow it
It wants part sun in texas heat, water it even, frequent, and give it rich, moist soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 6–10 in apart. Expect roughly 30–60. Cool-season.
How it's used
Lettuce is used: raw salads, wraps.
🔎 How to identify it
- Soft loose or heading rosette
- Milky sap when cut
- Many colors and textures
Edibility
PartsLeaves
UsesRaw salads, wraps
CautionBolts and turns bitter in heat — grow in cool months or part shade.
🌤 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.