Choose a cool site (eg in partial shade) to prevent the plants from bolting
Best planted in fertile, moisture-retentive soil or in containers filled with compost - you could plant 3-4 plants in a 40cm pot
Plant 15cm apart
Growing Tips:
Water lightly but often so that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged.
As the stem elongates, the rosette formation of the leaves naturally changes to a small tuft of leaves on the top.
Mulching will help keep plants during hot, dry spells
Problems & Pests:
Slugs - protect celtuce from slugs and snails, especially while the plants are young
Discoloured yellow/brown patches on leaves - this is most likely to be a lack of water.
Harvesting/Storing:
While the plant is young the outer leaves can be harvested for salads as you need them - after the stem starts to elongate and the rosette changed to a tuft of leaves, let it grow to 20-25cm before harvesting the stems.
Stems are best used within a few days (peel and slice them up and use them in stir fries)
You can keep celtuce in the fridge for several days
