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Vegetable
Asteraceae
Lettuce 'Deer Tongue' (Lactuca sativa)
Product code : JAREC-0121
Organic 'Deer Tongue' lettuce is a distinctive heirloom variety that brings a unique look to the garden with its elongated, triangular, slightly drooping, glossy green leaves, which are very elegant. From the first harvests, it delights with the fineness of its texture, both tender and crisp, which in some ways recalls the tenderness of butterhead lettuces while maintaining a good hold in salads. Its compact habit makes it easy to integrate into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container crops, where it offers regular and abundant harvests. Highly prized for its delicate flavor with slightly nutty nuances, it retains excellent taste quality even when temperatures rise, making it a valuable ally for extending the lettuce season.
- Quantity
- Approximately 400 seeds
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameLettuce Leaf 'Deer Tongue'
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusLettuce
Speciessativa
CultivarDeer Tongue
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameLettuce
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes
'Deer Tongue' Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Organic 'Deer Tongue' leaf lettuce is an heirloom variety with a distinctive appearance in the garden, thanks to its elongated, triangular, and slightly drooping leaves, which are a very elegant lustrous green. From the very first harvest, it impresses with its delicate texture, both soft and crisp, reminiscent in some ways of the tenderness of butterhead lettuces while still holding up well in salads. Its compact habit makes it easy to integrate into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container plantings, where it offers regular and abundant harvests.
Recommended sowing period: in spring, as soon as the soil is dry enough to work; adjust subsequent sowings to the season and type of harvest. Sow to a depth of 0.5 cm (0.2 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, maintain the potting mix at 10 to 18 °C (50 to 64 °F). Sow a few seeds at a time and renew sowings rather than preparing the entire crop in a single day. Very hot periods can make lettuce germination difficult.
Its tender leaves can be harvested as needed, allowing you to create consistently fresh and refined salads. Arrange small, successive plantings to have leaves at different stages. Lettuce can precede a warm-season crop or follow an early harvest. Combine several colors in clearly identified rows, which facilitates selective harvesting. A close pass allows you to cut the leaves with a clean tool without walking in the bed. From the very first harvest, it impresses with its delicate texture, both soft and crisp, reminiscent in some ways of the tenderness of butterhead lettuces while still holding up well in salads.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
0.2 in (0.5 cm)
Germination temperature
10 to 18 °C (50 to 64 °F)
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
April to August
Propagation
Sowing
Growing method
Recommended sowing period: in spring, as soon as the soil is well-drained and workable; adjust subsequent sowings to the season and type of harvest. The recommended depth is 0.5 cm (0.2 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the potting mix at 10 to 18 °C (50 to 64 °F). Sow a few seeds at a time and renew sowings rather than preparing the entire crop in one day. Very hot periods can make lettuce germination more difficult. Keep the potting mix cool, in the light, and transplant young plants without burying the heart. A seedling that is already crowded in its cell should be planted quickly to resume its growth. Harvest the outer leaves or the entire head depending on the type of lettuce. Avoid damaging the heart if you are waiting for new leaves. A central stalk that elongates indicates bolting and often a more pronounced bitterness. Enjoy the leaves before this stage, then replace the plant with a new sowing if the season allows. Leafy vegetables require harvesting adjusted to the type of plant.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Care level
Regular during establishment, then adapted to growing conditions
Watering
Regular
Soil type
Prepare a soft, cool, well-drained soil. Sow only a few seeds at a time and renew sowings rather than preparing the entire crop in one day. Very hot periods can make it difficult for lettuce to germinate. Keep the soil cool and in the light, and transplant young plants without burying the heart. A seedling that is already cramped in its cell should be planted quickly to resume growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and takes into account nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the dosage instructions. Avoid using multiple products, especially in a container where roots occupy a limited volume. Water as needed after application and observe foliage development before re-fertilizing.
Moisture
Keep the compost moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging; adjust watering thereafter according to the crop.
Seasonal care
From the first harvests, it captivates with the fineness of its texture, both soft and crisp, which in some aspects recalls the tenderness of butter lettuces while maintaining good structure in salads. Sow only a few seeds at a time and renew sowings rather than preparing the entire harvest in a single day. Very hot periods can complicate lettuce germination. Keep the potting soil fresh, in the light, and transplant young seedlings without burying the heart. A seedling already cramped in its cell should be planted quickly to resume growth. Harvest the outer leaves or the entire head depending on the type of lettuce. Avoid damaging the heart if you are waiting for new leaves. A central stalk that elongates indicates bolting and often a more pronounced bitterness. Enjoy the leaves before this stage, then replace the plant with a new sowing if the season allows. Leafy greens require harvesting adjusted to the type of plant. Outer picking preserves the heart when you want to continue production. Very old leaves do not offer the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it carefully before a short stay in the refrigerator. Its compact habit allows it to be easily integrated into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container crops, where it offers regular and abundant harvests. Recommended sowing period: in spring, as soon as the soil is dried out and workable; adjust subsequent sowings to the season and type of harvest.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Suitable for containers
Yes
Recommended pot size
A stable container with drainage holes, wide enough for the plant to spread and deep enough for its roots
Choose this exposure: sun to partial shade. Allow this spacing around the plant: 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in). Lettuces thrive in a container that is easy to water and accessible from the kitchen. Roots should not sit in a saucer full of water. During hot periods, a location that receives less afternoon sun can help maintain the freshness of the potting mix. Do not overcrowd mature plants: their leaves should be able to spread out without forming a damp mass. Its compact habit makes it easy to integrate into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container cultures, where it provides regular and abundant harvests. Organic 'Deer Tongue' loose-leaf lettuce is an old and distinctive variety that brings a unique look to the vegetable garden with its elongated, triangular, and slightly drooping leaves, in a very elegant lustrous green. From the first harvests, it delights with the delicacy of its texture, both soft and crisp, which in some aspects recalls the tenderness of butter lettuces while maintaining a good hold in salads. Highly prized for its delicate flavor with slightly nutty nuances, it retains excellent taste quality even when temperatures rise, making it a valuable asset for extending the lettuce season.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)
Width / spread
8 to 10 in (20 to 25 cm)
Foliage type
Seasonal foliage
Growth habit
Climbing, Compact
Bloom period
June to August
Fruiting
Right from the first harvest, it charms with its fine texture, both soft and crisp, which in some ways recalls the tenderness of butter lettuces while retaining a good hold in salads. Its compact habit makes it easy to integrate into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container crops, where it offers regular and abundant harvests.
Harvest
45 to 55 days after sowing
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
In a diversified plantation, you can reserve neighboring sections for these plants: carrots, radishes, cucumbers. The purpose of this combination is to organize space and harvests. Respect the height, light, and water requirements of each plant, without crowding the foliage. Maintain a path for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to free up space. This organization facilitates maintenance without promising protection against pests. Organize small successive plantings to have leaves at different stages.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Leaves
Recipe Idea for 'Deer Tongue' Lettuce: Garden Salad for Four Servings. Wash and spin dry 200g of tender leaves, then tear larger ones. Add one grated carrot and four thinly sliced radishes. Whisk together 20ml of olive oil, 10ml of cider vinegar, and 5ml of mustard. Pour over the vegetables at the last minute and toss gently. For tougher leaves, mix a small handful with a base of milder lettuce. Serve immediately to preserve their texture. Prepare ingredients with clean utensils and adjust the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If doubling quantities, ensure enough space in the dish for even mixing or cooking. Promptly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container and consume within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How to successfully sow 'Deer Tongue' Lettuce?
Recommended sowing period: in spring, as soon as the soil is drained and workable; adjust subsequent sowings according to the season and type of harvest. The recommended depth is 0.5 cm (0.2 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the potting mix at 10 to 18 °C (50 to 64 °F). Sow a few seeds at a time and renew sowings rather than preparing the entire harvest in one day. Very hot periods can make it difficult for lettuce to emerge. Keep the potting mix cool, in the light, and transplant young plants without burying the heart.
Can 'Deer Tongue' lettuce be grown in a pot?
Choose this exposure: sun to partial shade. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20–25 cm (8–10 in). Lettuces appreciate a container that is easy to water and accessible from the kitchen. Roots should not sit in a saucer full of water. During a hot spell, a location that receives less afternoon sun can help keep the soil cool. Do not crowd adult plants: their leaves should be able to spread out without forming a damp mass. Organic 'Deer Tongue' leaf lettuce is an old and distinctive variety that brings a unique look to the vegetable garden with its elongated, triangular, slightly drooping, lustrous green leaves that are very elegant.
When to harvest 'Deer Tongue' Lettuce?
From the first harvests, it captivates with the fineness of its texture, both soft and crisp, which in some ways recalls the tenderness of butter lettuces while maintaining a good salad structure. Its compact habit allows it to be easily integrated into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container crops, where it offers regular and abundant harvests. Highly appreciated for its delicate flavor with subtle nutty undertones, it maintains excellent taste quality even when temperatures rise, making it a valuable ally for extending the lettuce season. Its tender leaves can be harvested as needed, allowing for consistently fresh and refined salads.
What distinguishes 'Deer Tongue' lettuce in the garden?
Organic 'Deer Tongue' lettuce is an heirloom variety with a distinctive appearance in the garden, thanks to its elongated, triangular, slightly drooping leaves with a very elegant, glossy green color. From the first harvests, it captivates with its delicate texture, both soft and crisp, which in some respects recalls the tenderness of butterhead lettuces while maintaining a good hold in salads. Its compact habit makes it easy to integrate into market garden beds, raised garden beds, or container plantings, where it offers regular and abundant harvests. Highly prized for its delicate flavor with subtle nutty undertones, it maintains excellent taste quality even when temperatures rise, making it a valuable asset for extending the lettuce season.
How to plant 'Deer Tongue' Lettuce?
Organize small, successive plantings to ensure a continuous supply of leaves at various stages. Lettuce can precede a warm-season crop or follow an early harvest. Combine multiple colors in clearly identified rows, which facilitates selective harvesting. A nearby pathway allows you to cut the leaves with a clean tool without walking in the bed. Harvest outer leaves or the entire head depending on the type of lettuce. Avoid damaging the heart if you are waiting for new leaves. An elongated central stem indicates bolting and often a more pronounced bitterness. Enjoy the leaves before this stage, then replace the plant with a new seedling if the season allows.
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