Purple Sword Celtuce - Stem Lettuce - Chinese Lettuce - Heirloom Stem Vegetable SeedsListing is for 1 Lactuca sativa var. asparaginaListing is for a packet of minimum 25 seeds Purple Sword Celtuce is a cool-season annual prized for both its flavorful leaves and tender stems. This variety of Chinese stem lettuce features greenish-purple leaves that are perfect for cooking or fresh eating. Originating in southern China and introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s, celtuce is grown primarily for its crunchy, celery-like stalks, which can be peeled and used in stir-fries, soups, or pickled dishes. The leaves are also edible and can be prepared like leafy greens or used in salads. Celtuce thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting. This variety shows good tolerance to cold and cracking, ensuring a productive harvest. Please note that seeds require light to germinate. Celtuce goes by many names: Celtuce, Chinese lettuce, stem lettuce, asparagus lettuce, tender stem lettuce, wo sun, wo ju sun, jing wo ju, woh sun, woo chu, ngao lei shaang tsoi, kaki jisha, keman ayer, kuki chisha, or stemuretasu. Ideal Growing Conditions Sun: Does best getting 6 hours of sun a day. Grow in partial shade in hot climates. Water: Keep the soil consistently moist Fertilizer: Add some blood meal into the planting hole before transplanting or work some into the soil before direct sowing seeds. Apply some more every 3 weeks. When & How To Sow Seeds: For a spring crop: direct sow after your last spring frost date, or sow seeds in pots, 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. For a fall crop, direct sow seeds 3-4 months before your first winter frost date. Sprinkle a few seeds over the soil surface, pat down so they make contact with the soil, and do not cover with more soil. Gently water them in with a fine mist sprayer. The seeds require light to germinate Place under a bright light source, referably a grow light, or they will not germinate well. Can follow square foot gardening guidelines to space 4 plants per square foot, or plant each one 12 inches apart. Germination: 5-10 days Days To Maturity: 75-85 days after direct sowing the seed How & When To Harvest: Celtuce is a two-in-one vegetable — the young outer leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is established, while the main stalk is ready to harvest once it has thickened to around 8 to 12 inches tall, typically 60 to 90 days after planting. To harvest the stalk, cut the plant at the base and peel away the tough outer layer to reveal the crisp, pale green interior. Harvest promptly once the plant begins to bolt, as the stalk can turn pithy and bitter if left too long. Common Diseases: The most common disease when growing celtuce is downy mildew. It thrives in cool, wet conditions and can spread rapidly, causing yellow spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and die. Proper plant spacing to improve air flow helps. Spray with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water every 3 to 5 days until you notice the spread has stopped. Common Pests: Critters like rabbits love to munch on the plants. Protection from small animals might be required. The most common pest when growing celtuce is aphids. Use a strong spray of water to dislodge aphids from the leaves. For more severe infestations, spray with organic insecticidal soap or spinosad. Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? Not yet How to Use or Eat: The young leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or lightly sautéed, while the stalk is the most prized part. Simply peel the tough outer skin to reveal the crisp, juicy interior and slice as needed. The flavor is mild — think a cross between Romaine lettuce and water chestnut — and works beautifully eaten raw, stir-fried, pickled, or added to soups.
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