Summer 38 Celtuce (Stem Lettuce)

Summer 38 Celtuce a unique cross between celery and lettuce, both in taste and texture! Celtuce is a member of the lettuce family and forms an elongated seedstalk about 12" tall! This cool-season crop can briefly tolerate temperatures as high as 100F and has relatively good tolerance to high and low temperature extremes without bolting! Summer 38 Celtuce's thick white stem can be peeled to expose a bright green core that is stringless and refreshingly crunchy like cucumbers or water chestnuts, and is delicious pickled, stir-fried, sliced, or in soup. The leafy tops have a taste similar to Bibb lettuce and is refreshing with a light sesame peanut dressing. Celtuce is used mainly in stewed, creamed, stir-fried, and sweet pickled Chinese dishes. Celtuce is high in vitamins A and C and potassium. 

Also Known As: Asparagus Lettuce, Wosun, Celery Lettuce, Stem Lettuce, Won Sun, Chinese Lettuce, Celtuce, Wosun, Chingensai, Laitue Tige, Lettuce Stems, Laitue Asparaginee.

Plant Name:	Celtuce, Summer 38
Latin Name:	Lactuca sativa var. asparagina, Lactuca sativa var. augustana
Days to Germinate:	5-10
Days to Harvest:	80
Plant Height:	12 - 18 Inches
Spread:	6 - 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Celtuce grows best in cool temperatures, with an ideal growing range between 55-75F. Temperature above 80F can cause celtuce to bolt, though Summer 38 Celtuce is a slow-bolt variety.

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when the soil temperature is above 50F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the holes, burying roots in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant in spring when the soil warms to at least 50F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 6-8 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 8 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	8 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 3-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply a light dressing of fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Celtuce is ready to harvest when the stem reaches about 8-12 inches and is firm but tender, about 60-75 days after planting. Harvest Celtuce stalks when no larger than 1" in diameter for best taste. Harvest stalks by using a knife to cut at the soil line. Celtuce leaves are ready 4-5 weeks after planting and can be picked at any time during the growing season, though less bitter earlier in the season. Keep top leaves on the celtuce until ready to prepare the stem.