asparagus lettuce Chinese Stem Lettuce 200 seeds Wosun, celery lettuce


Chinese stem lettuce is a non-hearting relative of the lettuce, originating from southern China it was known as ‘wo sun’. It is also known as asparagus Lettuce, stem lettuce, celery lettuce or Chinese lettuce. Chinese Stem Lettuce is named after its unique combination of characteristics, the celery-like stalks and the lettuce-like leaves. It resembles a Romaine lettuce sat on top of a long, thick stalk.The inner stem has the same kind of juicy crunch that makes celery appealing. Although some find a celery-like taste when raw the flavour is milder and more delicate. It is more often compared to asparagus or even cucumber when cooked. Since it does have such a mild taste Chinese Stem Lettuce is the perfect foundation of many full flavoured dishes. In China, the plant is valued for the thick central stalk that is very crispy and tender, while the young leaves are used as lettuce for salads and stir-fry. When grown to maturity the Chinese Stem Lettuce stems become quite large and can weigh up to as much as 1kg. The stalks are stir-fried with meat, poultry or fish; they can be used in soups or pickled. The leaves can be used like spinach. They may be eaten in salads at a young tender stage and as the plant grows they can be harvested straight from the stem and lightly cooked. Chinese Stem Lettuce is a cool weather crop with spring and autumn sowing recommended for best results. Sow indoor around Sept to Mar or sow directly outdoors: March to Aug. Lettuce germinate at surprisingly low temperatures. Very easy to grow. It will grow to maturity in 90 days. Simply space 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) in the row, and treat like regular lettuce.