Prickly lettuce
Lactuca sibiricafam. Asteraceae
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Pl. 6217 — Lactuca sibirica
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IOverview
Overview
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca sibirica) is a perennial plant that thrives in moist, light to medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Native to regions such as Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Belarus, Buryatiya, Central European Russia, China North-Central, and Chita, this hardy species can be found across a wide range of Eastern Europe and Asia. Known for its edible leaves, which are often used in salads or cooked dishes, prickly lettuce also has documented medicinal uses. One distinctive feature is the plant's spiny leaves, making it easily recognizable from other lettuces. Its adaptability to various climates and soils makes it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Prickly lettuce?
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca sibirica) is a perennial plant that thrives in moist, light to medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
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.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Prickly lettuce thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows up to 1 meter tall and can be propagated by seed sown directly into the garden bed. This perennial is hardy in temperate regions and is native to a wide range of areas including Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Belarus, Buryatiya, Central European Russia, China North-Central, Chita, among others. Harvest its edible leaves for use in your culinary creations.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Prickly lettuce for the first time
8steps
Prickly lettuce is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, especially in partial sun and moist soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Prickly lettuce.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for a continuous harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun, and prepare soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin plants to ensure adequate space as they grow.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods, and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Remove any weeds that compete with your lettuce.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage new growth. Cut back plants after a few months if they start to bolt.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overcrowding, not providing enough water, and allowing the plant to bolt are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Prickly lettuce is eaten for its leaves, which can be consumed raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The leaves are typically gathered from perennial plants growing in moist, light to medium soil under full sun or partial shade. While the plant's native range includes various regions across Asia and Europe, its edible parts offer a versatile ingredient in culinary preparations.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe5 regions
native (5)BelarusFinlandNorwayRussiaSweden
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tuva
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
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 621706a6-1ffe-4ddf-b73d-fa5b8b6856fa
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