Valerianella locusta typically starts flowering in April.
lamb's lettuce
Valerianella locusta
Lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta) is an edible plant species with edible leaves and flowers. It is a small annual plant, reaching up to 10 cm tall, and is native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. Its leaves are edible raw and tend to have a mildly bitter and nutty taste. They can be added to salads, or cooked as a vegetable side dish, while its white flowers can be added to salads or boiled in milk for a creamy and nutritious beverage. Lamb's lettuce is a highly nutritious food, as it is high in vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber. It is also thought to support healthy digestion.
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Easy
watering
Lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta) benefits from regular watering. Water when the soil is slightly dry—about once a week—during the growing season and every 2 weeks during the winter months. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to discourage disease. If growing indoors, use a watering can with a long spout to avoid wetting the foliage. For outdoor containers, the best way to water is by moistening the soil thoroughly with a slow trickle of water until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Keep an eye on the moisture level of the soil and adjust the watering routine accordingly.
sunlight
Lamb's lettuce is a cold season crop that is particularly well suited to growing in full sun. The plant does not tolerate summer heat well and should receive no more than 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day, preferably during the cooler morning and early afternoon hours. The sweetest flavor is achieved when planted in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much sun will cause it to bolt quickly. It is recommended to mulch around the plants to help keep the soil cooler and retain moisture.
pruning
Lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta) should be pruned regularly to keep a good shape and vigor. Early in the season, lightly prune the foliage and flower stalks and remove any withered foliage. During the mid to late season, prune to keep it shapely and free of weeds. In late autumn, cut back any dead or damaged foliage and shape the plant to prepare for winter. When the weather warms up in the spring, prune lightly again to help encourage new growth.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
