WHY DON’T THE LETTUCES “HEAD”? 
ADOLPH KRUHM 
B ||ETTUCE brings greater disappointment to a greater 
uj number of gardeners every year, than any other 
vegetable. Yet, literally. Lettuce grows for anybody; 
is nol particular as to soil, and does well throughout the 
cool seasons, which, at one time or another, prevail in every 
section of the country. Still, wherever Garden Clubs meet, 
wherever interested gardeners discuss problems, one question 
that usually provokes discussion is “why don’t lettuces head?” 
The answer is that nine times out of ten the proper type 
was not chosen by the grower. To begin with, Lettuce is a cool 
season crop only — even in cool regions. Since for the greater 
part of three months during the summer, considerable heat 
prevails in most sections of the country, it is obvious that most 
of the disappointment is due to the fact that many gardeners 
expect the impossible. The truth is that even with the proper 
selection of types, there are but few parts of the country where 
perfect Lettuces can be grown between the middle of July, and 
the end of August. Our problem is to reduce that period in 
each section by selecting types that are fitted to conditions. 
Broadly speaking, there are four types of Lettuce, namely: 
the Loose Leaf, the Butter Head, the Crisp Head, and the 
Romaine or Cos type. The first and last named will not make 
heads, no matter where or how you grow the plants. Yet, both 
offer interesting possibilities, in that the Loose Leaf type is the 
hardiest, hence the most appropriate for extra early spring 
work; while Cos Lettuce is the greatest heat resisting type, en- 
abling the planter to extend the salad season well into August. 
Between these, we have the Butter Head Lettuces and the 
Crisp Head Lettuces — the two types that hold great promise of 
special delicacy, or equally great disappointment. 
Within the limits of these two types, we find varieties varying 
greatly in heat resistance, quickness of development, and time 
of maturity. It is the correct selection of varieties that will 
best meet the requirements of the season during which they 
mature, that solves every problem in head Lettuce culture. 
Since a well grown plant of Black Seeded Simpson (Loose 
Leaf type) is almost as delicate in flavor as any head 
Lettuce, it is well to begin the Lettuce season by sowing that 
variety about the middle of March in the house, or under glass; 
thus having plants ready for transplanting early in April. 
These should be ready for cutting within three wpeks after being 
set out into the garden, if the soil is at all well prepared, and lots 
of humus or other quickly available plant food is present. 
The setting out of these plants should be followed by the first 
sowing outdoors as early in April as the ground can be prepared. 
After the middle of April, the usefulness of the Loose Leaf 
Simpson type becomesstrictly 
secondary, since the Butter 
Head Lettuces offer far 
greater possibilities. 
Here is aselect list of Butter 
Head varieties, which sown at 
dates given, will furnish a per- 
fect product in perfect suc- 
cession : 
May King, sown April 15th, ready 
June 1st. 
Naumburger, or Tender Heart, 
sown April 20th ready June 10th. 
Allheart, sown April 20th, ready 
June 1 5th. 
California Cream Butter, sown 
April 20th, ready June 25th. 
All Season, sown April 20th, ready 
July 5th. 
After May 1st, a chance 
may be taken by re-sowing 
the last two varieties given 
above, but after May 15th, put reliance on the Crisp Head and 
Cos varieties, sowing as follows: 
Iceberg, sown May 1st will be ready for cutting July 15th. 
New York, or Wonderful, from seeds sown May 1st, will be ready between 
July 25th, and August 5th. 
If July brings lots of hot weather, both these varieties will be 
ready sooner, and go to seed sooner as well. Among the 
Cos Lettuces, Express or Eclipse Cos, Paris White Cos, and 
Kingsholm Cos, furnish the same succession as All Season, 
Iceberg, and New York, with the difference that they may be 
sown up to the middle of June. If the season is at all favorable, 
CRISP HEAD 
For heat resistance 
this type of Lettuce 
is unsurpassed. So 
strongly do the 
mid- ribs close on 
the centre that fre- 
quently the seed 
stalks burst out on 
the sides. (Iceberg 
is shown here) 
BUTTER HEAD 
The recognized 
standard of quality, 
this type may be 
enjoyed from early 
June until mid- July 
if the proper sorts 
are selected for 
planting 
they will begin to furnish 
salad early in August. 
While the above selection 
of varieties in different types 
holds the solution of the Let- 
tuce problem, there are a few 
cultural precautions to beem- 
phasized. All Lettuce should 
bethinned outor transplanted 
as frequently as the growth of 
the plants demands — that is 
to say that at no stage of de- 
velopment, should the little 
plants or big heads be crowded 
in the rows. 
All Lettuce will stand heat 
better, and remain in fit con- 
dition longer, if the soil is 
stirred freely and frequently. 
LOOSE LEAF 
Under no circumstances can this type of Lettuce be persuaded to head. 
It has, nevertheless, a decided value as it leads the spring procession of 
salad greens Which the first warm days make so palatable 
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