This heirloom romaine-type from Taiwan, with its narrow pointed (sword-like) leaves, is a standout in the garden. It tastes like the familiar romaine sold in North America, but with a slightly more nutty taste. Sword lettuce is a popular leafy green in Taiwan known as “a choy”.
Sword lettuce sails through hot and cold extremes. We can grow this lettuce most of the summer, even in the hottest days without it bolting or tasting bitter (Zone 4). This is a quick lettuce, ready to eat about 40-50 days after transplanting. Or start outside by planting seeds in the garden. This is one of the easiest lettuces to grow.
We are pretty excited about the different kinds of lettuce we offer and their health benefits. Check out our Musing on the powerful protective effects and health benefits of the humble lettuce.
How to Plant: (1) Lettuce seeds need light to germinate. Sow seeds on the surface of soil, press in and cover lightly with soil; (2) Keep soil moist as lettuce has a shallow root system; and (3) Sow or plant out in early spring before weather gets hot. Lettuce will bolt (go to seed) and become bitter tasting when the temperatures get hot.
How to Harvest: Harvest the whole head when leaves are about 10 inches long. Use in salads like you would other lettuce. It lasts a long time in the fridge. Its long crispy leaves are also used in stir-fry and it tastes great braised with garlic.
