Celtuce
Lactuca sativa angustanafam. Asteraceae
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Pl. FB08 — Lactuca sativa angustana
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IOverview
Overview
Celtuce (Lactuca sativa angustana) is an annual or biennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and shares a close relation with common lettuce. Native to Iraq, this unique variety is valued for both its edible and medicinal properties. The plant thrives in light conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be either light (sandy) or medium. Standing at about 0.6 meters tall, celtuce features a forb/herb habit and is known for its edible leaves and stems, which are often used in culinary applications. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability and versatility, making it a notable addition to gardens and agricultural settings alike.
Quick answers
What is Celtuce?
Celtuce (Lactuca sativa angustana) is an annual or biennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and shares a close relation with common lettuce. Native to Iraq, this unique variety is valued for both its edible and medicinal properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleeptea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Digestive Ease
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Celtuce thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest the edible parts—leaves and stems—throughout the growing season. This annual or biennial plant reaches a height of about 0.6 meters and can be propagated through seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Celtuce for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and basic care for a successful beginner's Celtuce planting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden bed or container, compost, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a light, well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spaced about 15 cm apart in rows. For transplants, use seedlings from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and protect young plants from harsh sun with light shade cloth if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune by cutting off outer leaves as needed, leaving inner leaves for continued growth. Harvest stems when they reach about 30 cm in height.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough shade, using heavy fertilizers, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesStem
Edible uses: Celtuce leaves and stems are edible. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant's mild flavor makes it suitable for both fresh consumption and preparation in various dishes.
Other uses:Pest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)AustriaBulgariaCyprusFranceRussiaSpain
Asia4 regions
native (1)Iraq
introduced (3)BangladeshChinaIndia
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCuba
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)Burkina FasoCabo VerdeCameroonChad
Broader regions
introduced:Antipodean Is., Baltic States, California, Argentina Northeast, Cape Provinces, Caroline Is., Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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