In 1850 this heirloom first arrived from England. A favourite variety with sweet, light green, crumpled leaves is very flavourful, crisp and never bitter. Some do say it gets bitter in the heat of July but I did not find it so in my backyard.  Slow bolting, drought and heat tolerant, excellent in cooler weather, can withstand a light frost.  I was picking leaves for almost 4 months. Inner leaves blanch to almost white.

Pre-1885. A very old Yugoslavian variety has lovely long savoyed green leaves accented with red, purple and lavender.  A beautiful large leafed plant reaching up to 16” needs space to accommodate the growth.  Extremely cold hardy is very fast growing and will self-seed. Keeps its rich, buttery flavour even in heat. Quick to bolt in heat.

c.1740, popular with pioneers for its hardiness and productivity.  The long tapered leaves are rich green with a red tinge on the edges and has a rich, nutty, earthy flavour. This lovely lettuce is a regular in my garden, the crisp leaves tolerate heat and cold well, I still pick leaves in September. Slow to bolt.