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1379 products
1379 products
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Carentan is a traditional European heirloom leek renowned for its large, thick creamy white stems reaching around 20 cm long and 5 cm across. The vigorous plants produce abundant dark green foliage and are highly productive, making them a favourite for home gardens. With a mild, sweet onion flavour, Carentan is excellent in soups, stews, quiches, pies, and roasted vegetable dishes. Matures in approximately 95–110 days.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into fertile, well drained soil, planting 5 mm deep in full sun. Transplant seedlings when pencil-thick, spacing plants 10–15 cm apart with 30–40 cm between rows. Gradually mound soil around the stems as they grow to blanch the shanks and produce long, tender white stems.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Copenhagen is a classic European leek producing long, thick white shanks topped with sturdy blue-green leaves. A vigorous and reliable variety, it is valued for its uniform growth, excellent flavour and ability to perform well through cool conditions.
The tender white stems have a mild, sweet onion flavour that becomes rich and mellow when cooked. Excellent for soups, stocks, pies, gratins, roasting and sautéing, Copenhagen can also be harvested young for a particularly delicate flavour and texture.
Leeks have been cultivated in Europe since ancient times and are thought to have developed from wild Allium species native to the Mediterranean and Near East. They thrive in deep, fertile soil, and gradually hilling soil around the developing stems encourages the long, tender, blanched white shanks for which they are prized.
Seed count: approximately 350–450 seeds per gram.
Approximately 100 seeds per packet.
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March–July
Subtropics: March–September
Mild climates: August–April
Cold climates: September–February
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into trays, seedbeds or directly into prepared soil. Keep consistently moist during germination.
When seedlings are approximately pencil thickness, transplant into deep holes around 15–20 cm apart. Plant deeply without burying the growing centre. As plants develop, gradually draw soil around the stems to increase the length of the blanched white shaft.
Grow in full sun in deep, rich, well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Begin harvesting once stems reach approximately 2 cm thick, or leave plants longer to develop substantial mature shanks. Leeks can remain in the ground until required in suitable conditions and also store well refrigerated after harvest.
Maturity: approximately 105 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Musselburgh is the classic heirloom leek, affectionately known as 'The Grand Old Leek of Scotland', and was described in the N.S.W. Horticultural Magazine as early as 1864. It remains one of Australia's most popular leek varieties thanks to its exceptional tenderness, mild flavour, and vigorous growth. Producing long, thick white stems with lush green foliage, Musselburgh is highly productive, frost hardy, and equally suited to home gardens and market growers. Matures in approximately 130–150 days.
Approximately 100 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into fertile, well drained soil, planting 5 mm deep in full sun. Transplant seedlings when pencil-thick, spacing plants 10–15 cm apart with 30–40 cm between rows. Gradually mound soil around the stems as they grow to blanch the shanks and produce long, tender white stems.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm is a fragrant perennial herb treasured for its fresh lemon scent, attractive foliage and long history of culinary and traditional herbal use. The botanical name Melissa officinalis originates from the ancient Greek word melissa, meaning "bee", a reference to the plant's remarkable ability to attract bees and other pollinators. Growing to around 60–90 cm tall, it forms a bushy clump of bright green leaves that release a delightful citrus fragrance when brushed or crushed.
A versatile herb, Lemon Balm is widely used in herbal teas, desserts, salads, fruit dishes and refreshing summer drinks. Traditionally, it has been valued for its calming properties and is often used to promote relaxation, restful sleep and digestive comfort. Easy to grow in both garden beds and containers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and benefits from regular harvesting, which encourages fresh, tender growth throughout the season.
Approximately 2,300 seeds per gram
Approximately 360 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to October
Cold climates: September to November
Planting / Sowing
Surface sow or lightly press seed into the surface of a fine seed-raising mix, as light assists germination. Keep evenly moist and maintain temperatures of 18–22°C until seedlings emerge. Transplant into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, spacing plants 30–45 cm apart. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth. Plants may die back during winter in colder regions but will usually reshoot from the base in spring.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cymbopogon citratus
West Indian lemongrass is the classic culinary variety used in teas, broths and Asian cooking. Unlike East Indian lemongrass, which can be grown from seed, West Indian lemongrass rarely produces viable seed and is almost always propagated by division. Each cutting is taken from the base of a mature clump and will form a new plant once rooted.
This variety forms dense, aromatic clumps with strongly lemon-scented stems and soft green leaves. It thrives in warm conditions, full sun, and well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist while roots establish, then water as needed as the plant matures. In frost free regions, it grows year-round and can be divided every year or two to create new plants.
A reliable, vigorous perennial for home gardens, kitchens and herbal use.
Contains 5 fresh plant cuttings.
Not Available for TAS
Not Available for WA
Lactuca sativa
Australian Yellow is an old looseleaf Lettuce prized for its exceptionally tender leaves, delicate flavour and beautiful colouring. An early-producing variety, it begins with soft, light green leaves that develop into large, gently crinkled foliage with distinctive yellow-green tones as the plant matures.
The leaves have a smooth, tender texture and mild, fresh flavour, making them excellent for salads, sandwiches and wraps. Individual outer leaves can be harvested as required, allowing the centre of the plant to continue producing, or whole plants can be harvested once mature.
Australian Yellow has moderate resistance to bolting and performs particularly well through the cooler months. Like most lettuces, it prefers mild conditions and can struggle in extreme heat, although some afternoon shade can help extend the harvest as temperatures rise.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, with domestication beginning thousands of years ago and cultivation spreading throughout the ancient Mediterranean world. Today its enormous diversity includes looseleaf, cos, butterhead and crisphead forms adapted to a wide range of growing conditions.
Australian Yellow prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Its relatively quick growth makes it excellent for successive sowings to maintain a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering of soil and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart for full-sized plants, or sow more closely for baby-leaf harvesting. Grow in full sun during cool weather or provide some afternoon shade as temperatures increase.
Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid, tender growth and reduce stress that can encourage bolting or bitterness. Harvest individual outer leaves regularly for a continuous supply, or cut the entire plant when it reaches the desired size.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Biscia Rossa, meaning ‘Red Snake’, is an old Italian looseleaf lettuce with ruffled green leaves and striking bright red tips. It forms an open, rustic-looking rosette and is early to mature. The tender leaves can be harvested individually as a cut-and-come-again crop or left to develop before picking the entire head. Best suited to cool and temperate growing conditions.
Approximately 100 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest the outer leaves regularly or allow the full rosette to develop.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Biscia Rossa, meaning ‘Red Snake’, is an old Italian looseleaf lettuce with ruffled green leaves and striking bright red tips. It forms an open, rustic-looking rosette and is early to mature. The tender leaves can be harvested individually as a cut-and-come-again crop or left to develop before picking the entire head. Best suited to cool and temperate growing conditions.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest the outer leaves regularly or allow the full rosette to develop.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Black Seeded Simpson is a classic heirloom looseleaf lettuce producing large, broad, frilled light green leaves with a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavour. Renowned for its reliability, it performs well across a wide range of growing conditions and is slow to become bitter, even in challenging weather. The loose habit allows for repeated harvesting of outer leaves or the entire plant once mature. Ready to harvest in approximately 40–65 days.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest the outer leaves regularly for a cut-and-come-again crop or pick the entire plant when fully developed.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Black Seeded Simpson is a classic heirloom looseleaf lettuce producing large, broad, frilled light green leaves with a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavour. Renowned for its reliability, it performs well across a wide range of growing conditions and is slow to become bitter, even in challenging weather. The loose habit allows for repeated harvesting of outer leaves or the entire plant once mature. Ready to harvest in approximately 40–65 days.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest the outer leaves regularly for a cut-and-come-again crop or pick the entire plant when fully developed.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Bronze Mignonette is a beautiful old Butterhead Lettuce producing compact heads of crisp, softly frilled leaves in a striking mixture of green and bronze. The outer foliage develops its richest bronze colouring in good light, surrounding a tender, creamy-coloured heart.
The leaves have the soft texture and mild, buttery flavour characteristic of butterhead lettuces, with enough crispness to give them excellent substance in salads. Harvest individual outer leaves as required or allow plants to form their compact heads, reaching approximately 20 cm across.
Cultivated for well over a century, Bronze Mignonette is particularly valued for its adaptability. It performs well in both humid and dry warm climates and shows useful resistance to premature bolting, allowing it to remain productive as conditions begin to warm.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Today its enormous diversity includes looseleaf, cos, butterhead and crisphead forms adapted to a wide range of climates and seasons.
Like most lettuces, Bronze Mignonette prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial during warmer weather.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–25 cm apart to allow the compact heads to develop. Grow in full sun during cool weather or provide some afternoon shade as temperatures increase.
Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid, tender growth and reduce stress that can cause bitterness or premature bolting. Harvest individual outer leaves for an extended picking period or cut the complete head once it reaches the desired size.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Brown Romaine is an old Cos-type Lettuce producing upright, crisp leaves washed with attractive mahogany-brown and bronze tones over green. Also known as Rouge d’Hiver, meaning “Red of Winter”, it is valued for its excellent flavour, beautiful colouring and ability to remain productive across a broad range of conditions.
Unlike tightly hearting Cos varieties, Brown Romaine has a more open habit, producing crisp, elongated leaves that can be harvested individually as required. The leaves have a fresh, satisfying crunch and good flavour, making them excellent for salads, sandwiches and wraps.
This is a particularly useful variety for warmer conditions, showing good heat tolerance and resistance to premature bolting. The colouring becomes particularly attractive in cooler weather, when the bronze and mahogany tones can deepen considerably.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Today its enormous diversity includes looseleaf, cos, butterhead and crisphead forms adapted to a wide range of climates and seasons.
Like most lettuces, Brown Romaine prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Some afternoon shade can help extend the harvest during warmer weather.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart for full-sized plants, or sow more closely for baby-leaf harvesting. Grow in full sun during cool weather or provide some afternoon shade as temperatures increase.
Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid, tender growth and reduce stress that can cause bitterness or premature bolting. Harvest individual outer leaves regularly while leaving the centre intact for continued production, or harvest the whole plant when it reaches the desired size.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Buttercrunch is a popular butterhead lettuce producing compact heads of dark green, fan-shaped leaves with a crisp texture and sweet flavour. Slow to bolt and highly productive, it performs well over an extended harvest period. The tender leaves are excellent picked young as premium baby greens or allowed to mature into full-sized heads. Ready to harvest in approximately 70 days.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest individual leaves as needed or allow heads to fully develop before cutting.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Buttercrunch is a popular butterhead lettuce producing compact heads of dark green, fan-shaped leaves with a crisp texture and sweet flavour. Slow to bolt and highly productive, it performs well over an extended harvest period. The tender leaves are excellent picked young as premium baby greens or allowed to mature into full-sized heads. Ready to harvest in approximately 70 days.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest individual leaves as needed or allow heads to fully develop before cutting.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Butternut is a compact Butterhead-type Lettuce producing small, rounded leaves with a soft, tender texture and mild, buttery flavour. Rather than forming a tightly packed heart, the leaves remain relatively open, making them easy to harvest individually over an extended period.
The tender leaves are excellent for salads, sandwiches and wraps, or simply picked fresh from the garden as required. Its compact habit also makes Butternut a useful choice for smaller gardens, raised beds and containers.
Unlike many lettuces that quickly struggle as temperatures rise, Butternut has good heat tolerance and resistance to premature bolting. This adaptability allows it to be sown across much of the year where conditions permit, although some afternoon shade and consistent moisture are beneficial during hot weather.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Today its enormous diversity includes looseleaf, cos, butterhead and crisphead forms adapted to a wide range of climates and seasons.
Like most lettuces, Butternut prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Best autumn to winter; other seasons with protection from extreme heat
Subtropics: Most of the year, with shade during summer
Mild climates: Year-round
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–25 cm apart for mature plants, or sow more closely for baby-leaf harvesting. Grow in full sun during cooler weather and provide some afternoon shade during hotter periods.
Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid, tender growth and reduce stress that can cause bitterness or premature bolting. Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the centre intact for continued production.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa var. angustana
Celtuce is an unusual form of Lettuce grown as much for its thick, succulent stem as for its leaves. Also known as Asparagus Lettuce, Stem Lettuce and Chinese Lettuce, it produces narrow green leaves around a substantial upright stem that can reach approximately 30 cm before harvest.
Young leaves and hearts can be eaten much like conventional lettuce, with a fresh, mildly bitter flavour. The real speciality, however, is the thickened stem. Once mature, the tougher outer skin is peeled away to reveal crisp, pale flesh with a delicate flavour somewhere between lettuce, celery and cucumber.
Celtuce has a long history in Chinese cuisine, where the stem is known as wosun. It can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, stir-fried, steamed or added to soups. The crisp texture holds particularly well during cooking, making it quite different from ordinary leafy lettuce.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Celtuce represents a fascinating branch of that domestication, selected specifically for an enlarged edible stem rather than a compact head of leaves.
Like other lettuces, Celtuce prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. It performs particularly well through mild conditions and should be grown steadily to encourage tender stems.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun during cool weather, with some afternoon shade beneficial as temperatures increase. Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid, tender growth.
Harvest young leaves as required without removing too many from the developing plant. For the characteristic edible stem, allow plants to reach approximately 30 cm tall before harvesting. Remove the leaves and peel away the tough outer layer of the stem before slicing.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
Cos Verdi is a crisp Cos-type Lettuce producing upright, open heads of smooth-edged green leaves. Rather than forming an especially tight heart, the leaves grow vertically in a loose arrangement, making them easy to harvest individually or as a complete head.
The leaves are crisp and succulent with a distinctive sweet flavour, making Cos Verdi excellent for salads, sandwiches and wraps. Its sturdy texture also holds dressings particularly well and gives plenty of crunch without the heaviness of some larger Cos varieties.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Cos or Romaine lettuces are distinguished by their elongated upright leaves and crisp central ribs and have remained an important salad type throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.
Cos Verdi performs best during mild weather and is particularly suited to spring and autumn sowing. Like most lettuces, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial as temperatures increase.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Spring and autumn
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart for full-sized plants, or more closely for baby-leaf harvesting. Grow in full sun during cooler weather or provide some afternoon shade as temperatures increase.
Keep soil consistently moist to encourage crisp, tender growth and reduce stress that can cause bitterness or premature bolting. Harvest individual outer leaves as required or cut the entire head once mature.
Maturity: approximately 78 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lactuca sativa
First Fleet is a truly classic Australian heirloom Lettuce with a remarkable connection to the earliest days of European agriculture in Australia. Seed of this historic type arrived with the First Fleet in 1788 and was planted at Sydney’s first farm, established at Farm Cove on land that is now part of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
An open-hearted Cos type, First Fleet produces loose heads of crunchy, ruffled leaves in attractive shades of green and red. The leaves have excellent texture and flavour and can be harvested individually as required or allowed to develop into a generous open head.
Hardy, disease resistant and slow to bolt, this lettuce has become well adapted to Australian growing conditions over its long history here. Its resilience makes it a particularly worthwhile variety for gardeners interested in growing vegetables with both practical value and genuine Australian provenance.
Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Cos or Romaine lettuces are distinguished by their elongated, upright growth and crisp leaves, although First Fleet retains a looser, more open habit than many modern Cos varieties.
Like most lettuces, First Fleet prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Some afternoon shade can help extend production as temperatures rise.
Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.
Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart for full-sized plants, or sow more closely for baby-leaf harvesting. Grow in full sun during cooler weather or provide some afternoon shade as temperatures increase.
Keep soil consistently moist to encourage crisp, tender growth and reduce stress that can cause bitterness or premature bolting. Harvest individual outer leaves regularly while leaving the centre intact for continued production, or harvest the whole plant once it reaches the desired size.
For seed savers, First Fleet is an especially worthwhile variety to preserve. Lettuce is predominantly self-pollinating, making it relatively straightforward to maintain true to type with sensible separation from other flowering lettuce varieties.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
