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JNB Seed

Lettuce Seed: Butterhead Bibb Lettuce Seed

Lettuce Seed: Butterhead Bibb Lettuce Seed

$3.99 CAD
$3.99 CAD
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Bibb butterhead lettuce seeds thrive in conditions where the temperature ranges between 15-20 degrees Celsius, making them suitable for cultivation in both warm and cool climates. This lettuce variety is prized for its ease of cultivation, as well as its ability to withstand heat while still maturing quickly in cooler weather conditions. Its crisp texture and delicious taste make it a popular choice for salads, adding a refreshing crunch to any dish. Within just 55 days, Bibb lettuce can be harvested, offering a rapid turnaround for gardeners eager to enjoy their home-grown produce.

The origins of Bibb butterhead lettuce trace back to Lt. Jack B. Bibb of Frankfurt, Kentucky, who first cultivated this unique variety in 1935. Lt. Bibb's experimentation in horticulture led to the development of this distinctive lettuce, which bears traits reminiscent of both leaf lettuce and iceberg lettuce. Renowned for its quality and flavor, Bibb lettuce has become synonymous with the traditional salad served at the Kentucky Derby, earning it the moniker "Kentucky's salad lettuce." Additionally, the lettuce has garnered the nickname "limestone lettuce" due to the high lime content found in the soil of Kentucky, where it thrives.

Ideal for cultivation in containers or garden beds, Bibb butterhead lettuce seeds can be sown at a depth of approximately 0.5-1 centimeter in well-draining soil. Ensure consistent moisture during the germination period, which typically lasts 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to provide ample space for growth, with a recommended spacing of 25-30 centimeters between plants. Provide full sunlight or partial shade, and maintain a moderate temperature range to encourage healthy growth and development.

As the Bibb lettuce matures, monitor soil moisture levels to prevent drought stress, particularly during warmer periods. Regular watering and mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations. Harvest the lettuce heads when they reach full size, typically around 20-25 centimeters in diameter, by cutting them at the base of the plant. Enjoy the fresh, crisp leaves in salads or sandwiches, knowing that they were cultivated with care in your own garden.

    How To Grow

    Sowing: Begin sowing Bibb butterhead lettuce seeds when the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 2 degrees Celsius, or as soon as the soil is workable. Directly sow the seeds in rich soil and full sunlight, spacing them thinly in rows 30-60 centimeters apart. When seedlings emerge, thin them to a distance of 20-30 centimeters apart to allow for proper growth. Succession planting can be employed by sowing new seeds every two weeks, ensuring a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. For companion planting benefits, consider growing lettuce alongside onions, cucumbers, or carrots.

    Growing: Ensure consistent moisture for lettuce, as it has shallow roots and requires adequate water to maintain tenderness and sweetness. Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, promoting optimal growing conditions for the lettuce plants.

    Harvesting

    Harvest Bibb lettuce in the morning for maximum crispness and sweetness. For microgreens, cut the entire plant when it reaches a height of 5-7.5 centimeters above the soil surface. Outer leaves can be harvested continuously throughout the season until bitterness develops in the main stem. When mature, harvest the entire plant by cutting it just above the soil surface. Freshly harvested lettuce can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately one week.

    Seed Saving

    As summer days lengthen, lettuce plants may bolt and produce flower stalks. To select seeds, gather them from plants that bolt at a slower rate. Once the stalks flower and form pods, allow the pods to turn light brown and split open. To prevent seed loss, collect seeds daily by shaking the stalks into a bag or container. Alternatively, remove entire plants when most pods are ready for harvest and hang them upside down in a dry, sheltered location to dry. Extract seeds from the dried pods by shaking or crushing them. Store the Bibb butterhead lettuce seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 years.

    Extra Facts

    Planting Methods: Directly sow Butterhead Bibb lettuce seeds in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.

    Blooming Season: Lettuce plants do not typically bloom, as they are grown primarily for their leaves rather than flowers.

    Planting Season: Plant Butterhead Bibb lettuce seeds in the spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 10 degrees Celsius.

    Latin Name/USDA Zones: Latin name: Lactuca sativa. USDA Zones: 3-11.

    Sunlight Required/Height: Full sunlight is preferred for optimal growth, with plants reaching heights of 20-30 centimeters.

    Shelf Life After Test Date: Shelf life varies depending on storage conditions, but lettuce seeds can remain viable for up to 5 years when stored properly.

    Seed Type: Butterhead Bibb lettuce seeds are open-pollinated, non-hybrid seeds.

    Soil Type: Butterhead Bibb lettuce thrives in loam soil, but can also grow well in clay or sandy soil with proper drainage.

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