Law lettuce is known by names such as Rapunzel, Nüsschen or field lettuce. The plant proves to be undemanding and forms delicate rosettes of leaves that taste nutty and are rich in vitamin C.
How should lamb's lettuce be fertilized?
Lamb lettuce generally does not require any additional fertilization because, as a weak feeder, it benefits from the nutrients of the previous plants. For overwinter seeds, it is recommended to add 50 grams of nitrogen per square meter from February onwards. Alternatively, compost or organic vegetable fertilizer can be used.
Soil requirements
The varieties of lamb's lettuce planted come from the original species Valerianella locusta. This valerian plant is native to Europe, where it colonizes fallow land and vineyards. The demands on the soil are unspecific. Lamb's lettuce prefers to grow on pure, heavy clay soils. Mixtures with sand are also accepted. Fresh and alkaline-rich substrates provide ideal growth conditions.
Fertilizing recommendations
Lamb lettuce is one of the weak eaters. It thrives as a secondary crop on harvested vegetable beds. The remaining nutrients from the predecessors provide the perfect nutritional basis for the crop. Fertilization is usually not necessary. If you want to grow seeds and cultivate the plants in a pot, you can use normal potting soil and mix it with a little compost.
Overwintering lettuce
Overwintering seeds are an exception because they value additional nutrient supply in late winter. Fertilize the crops with nitrogen starting in February. This represents an important growth basis for the plants because it is needed for the development of he althy leaves and shoots. It is also a building block of chlorophyll and protein. An amount of 50 grams of solid fertilizer is sufficient per square meter.
How to fertilize correctly:
- work organic vegetable fertilizer (€19.00 on Amazon) between the rows
- add some compost to the substrate
- alternatively administer organic fertilizer with the irrigation water
Pre-, mixed and post-culture
Lamb lettuce should be sown in the same location for a maximum of three to four years in a row. If lettuce or legumes have been harvested from the bed, Rapunzel is not recommended as a secondary crop. The varieties grow as secondary crops of tomatoes, potatoes, kohlrabi, cucumbers or strawberries. Field lettuce thrives in mixed cultures between onions, leeks and rhubarb. In the greenhouse you can also sow the he althy crop as a pre-culture.
Lamb lettuce as green manure
It is a real insider tip that nut lettuce has fertilizing properties and is used as green manure. If the leaves are too old in spring or the plants produce flower shoots, you can simply rake the bed. The plant parts are decomposed and the soil is enriched with nutrients.
