Lettuce, Wild (Wild Lettuce) (Lactuca virosa) seeds, organic
$3.95 – $18.00
Family: Aster (Asteracea)
Hardy to Zones 5 to 9, readily grown as a spring-planted annual
(Lettuce Opium, Wild Lettuce, Bitter Lettuce) Overwintering annual or biennial. Native to Central and Southern Europe. Young plants of giant wild lettuce are a good ingredient for heroic salads. I eat the leaves freely in the winter to early spring. This is the most cold hardy of all lettuces, in the right circumstances producing very reasonable salads midwinter, which is before the plant goes tough and bitter. Lactuca virosa is a preferred wild species from Europe–highest latex content, nutrient dense, good winter salad, bright purple-black seeds, much less spiny than the weedy types (e.g Lactuca serriola), which we do not carry. Traditional usage (TWM): Sedative, pain-relieving, antispasmodic, digestive bitter, euphoric used to treat insomnia, restlessness, bodily pain, painful menses, digestive woes. Source of lactucarium, the white latex that contains alkaloids (Lactucin) and sesquiterpene lactones. Sow in spring or fall, in pots outdoors or directly in beds outdoors. Barely cover seed with soil and tamp securely, then keep cool and evenly moist until germination, which takes 10 to 20 days. In very cold soil conditions (freezing and thawing), germination will take longer. Seeds planted outdoors on 2_11_22, rampant germination on 3_18_2022, in concert with full moon, 37 day induction period. Meanwhile very warm soil temperatures will retard or disallow germination. Indoor growers will often be disappointed–the wild plant needs cool temperatures to germinate. Transplant or thin to 6 inches apart. Flowers yellow to 6 feet.
Packet contains ~20 seeds
1 g contains ~1,200 seeds
Certified Organically Grown
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Sage –
I have used this. It’s very effective in a tincture.
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Kathleen –
Amazing stuff.
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Question
Mike Wuellner –
Hi there! I was wondering if a zone 4 would have a reasonable chance of success with wild lettuce. NE Ohio. Thanks! – Mike
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Richo Cech –
Hello Mike,
Yes, wild lettuce is extremely cold-hardy.
Richo
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Question
Christen Largent –
What is the best time to harvest this plant to make medicine. There are so many differing opinions and I trust your take on things. Before flowering? While flowering? Very end of the season?
Thanks as always!!
Christen
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Richo Cech –
Hi christen,
thanks for writing. Much of the lactucarium resides in the stem material as the plant goes up to flower.
you sever the main stem at that point, on a hot day, and collect the lactucarium. This is the traditional method. Many you-tubers have invented other techniques that may be ignored. Here’s a link for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mtVNtV1dVk&t=33s
richo
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Andrew Grossberg (verified owner) –
I planted these last year in zone 7a and I think they all sprouted. I had to thin some out. Despite a harsh winter they’re still going!
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Richo Cech –
hi andrew, good going! my current reality with wild lettuce is that i sowed a stretch of it for seed production back in January and its very green at the moment.
Richo
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Question
Brenda Schlupp –
Hi! Two questions…
I live in Southern Ontario in zine 4b, Can I grow this? Can I grow it indoors?
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Richo Cech –
Not hardy to overwinter in a zone 4, yet easily planted in the spring as an annual. Its a wild plant, it likes the garden conditions, doesn’t really develop normally in a pot indoors. r
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Pam Keenan –
I want to buy plants not seeds CA you help me pkease
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Richo Cech –
wild lettuce plants currently in stock. hard to navigate you there from here but just put “wild lettuce” in the search engine and then click on the plant, not the seeds. this is the url https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/lettuce-wild-wild-lettuce-lactuca-virosa-potted-plant-organic/
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Faithmet (verified owner) –
I live in OK. Last year was my first year to try to grow from seeds. Very easy to grow. I covered in 4” of mulch for the Winter and its growing back already.
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Question
Marcia Staples –
Are these seeds non-gmo? Are these seeds an heirloom variety?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Marcia, yes, all our seeds are non-gmo. Yes, you can call them heirloom if you like. Here’s a link to iour seed integrity page that describes the meaning of these terms. https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/organic-certifications/
Richo
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Question
Lisa Avery –
Hi! Because this is essentially a “weed” type plant, I am considering planting it on the outside of our fenced in landscaped area- however, can you tell me if this is one that the deer and rabbits love or leave??
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Richo Cech –
Hi Lisa, I think deer and rabbits like it, Richo
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Patty –
When can i try to grow these seeds in Tn zone 7a
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Richo Cech –
these can be planted now up until frost in a 7a. r
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William Falin –
Can I plant seeds in nov.in zone 6. Thank you
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Richo Cech –
hi william, in an unheated greenhouse, yes, and if wanting to plant outdoors, in a z 6, wait until the ground defrosts in the spring and plant them at that time. should be April. richo
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M Gar –
Does this grow well in. Zone 8?
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Richo Cech –
yes, this is a good cold-season grower in zone 8. for all practical purposes grow this as you would any other lettuce. The main difference is that Lactuca virosa is slower to germinate, more cold tolerant, and contains more of the active constituent. All of these attributes are consistent with its wild nature. r
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Mike (verified owner) –
Can I plant these next to peppers
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Richo Cech –
yes, that is fine. r
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Richo Cech –
yes, you can grow this in the window box. Deer might eat wild lettuce, it is true. richo
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Richo Cech –
at this time of year a northern exposure may be preferable
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Question
George –
Hello, will this grow in MN. zone 3?
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Richo Cech –
hello george. thanks for contacting. in a z 3 this grows as a spring annual. in z 5 and up it can overwinter as a rosette. r
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lauriannmikell (verified owner) –
Excellent
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aloysious –
Will this grow in the rainforest near Mountain View, Hawaii?
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Richo Cech –
hi there, not really, you’re an 11a at the coldest and wild lettuce is a winter grower. richo
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Cindy sudberry –
Can you plant in a pot?
Where are the seeds on the plant?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Cindy,
Wild lettuce will grow almost anywhere. I just noticed a huge one growing out of a rock pile that surrounds one of my agricultural water risers along the driveway. Sure, it can grow in a pot. The plant goes up into flower and the flowers are at the end of the stems. The flowers mature and give way to puffs of fuzzy pappus that turn into numerous one-seeded parachutes. Richo
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Richo Cech –
Hi Cindy,
Wild lettuce will grow almost anywhere. I just noticed a huge one growing out of a rock pile that surrounds one of my agricultural water risers along the driveway. Sure, it can grow in a pot. The plant goes up into flower and the flowers are at the end of the stems. The flowers mature and give way to puffs of fuzzy pappus that turn into numerous one-seeded parachutes. Richo
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Question
Todd –
Will this grow in zone 4B?
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Richo Cech –
Yes!
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Todd –
Will Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) grow in zone 4B?
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Richo Cech –
yes, these are easy to grow as summer annuals
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Marv Cole –
At what stage do you harvest the leaves to get the best results, when they flower/go to seed or earlier?
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Richo Cech –
Yes, when they flower. There’s a youtube on the strictly medicinal seeds channel all about this
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Elsbeth –
Good Morning, will the seeds grow in a cooler climate? Ireland. Thank you. Beautiful seeds. Xx
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Richo Cech –
yes, wild lettuce is a winter grower and loves a cool climate. r
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Angela Karing (verified owner) –
Hi Richo, I started my seeds mid Feb, moved them outside after germination (just 6 days later!) And have had them on the back deck since, they seem to small to transplant and I was wondering how big should they be? My last frost date is may 19th or so. Thank you very much, blessings to y’all and your garden, Angela
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Richo Cech –
Hi Angela,
They grow kinda slowly at first and it is time to transplant them out even if they are small. I’ve been giving mine dilute fish emulsion in the field and it has helped immensely. As the ground warms, be sure to water them frequently.
Richo
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Angela Karing (verified owner) –
Will do! Thank you sir
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Marisela –
I see people asking about zones. How do I find out what zone I live in?
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Richo Cech –
google your closest big city with the following words after it: _______ is in USDA zone
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Debbie Baranes –
How about 6a zone
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Richo Cech –
hi debbie, getting a bit cold for overwintering, probably best planted in early spring. richo
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Elizabeth Chambers (verified owner) –
how about zone 9b?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Elizabeth,
Its a recurring question and my thought is that this fast-growing plant might be grown as a winter annual in warmer zones. Why not try? That has always been my approach–try everything and keep what works. Richo
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Question
Susie –
Hello, I received my wild lettuce plants today 🙂 and they look amazing ! My question is do I need to harden them off like I would new seedling or should I plant them in permanent location. I am in 5a to b . Thank You for Your time .
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Richo Cech –
Hi Susie, Pretty much a miracle and I’m mighty glad to hear of it. They’re hardened off, you can plant them to the garden. richo
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Susie –
Thank You for quick response ! I hope this is the correct season to plant as summer is coming ? If not I will try in house till fall to plant out ? I have lots of garden buddies I will be sending your sight to them . Thanks again!
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Richo Cech –
yes, plant to garden now. r
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Rivka –
Can you tell me more about this medicinal use of this plant on YouTube? Would like to know how to use. Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
hi rivka, yes, here’s the youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mtVNtV1dVk
r
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Question
Frito (verified owner) –
How long does this seed typically need for cold stratification? We tried 6 weeks and another batch at 4 weeks. Planted in February in zone 8b and another batch in March. None sprouted yet. We’ve sprouted lavender in our refrigerator before – has anyone successfully done this with Lactuca Virosa?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Frito,
I’ve never germinated the wild lettuce in the fridge. I just plant it in the garden or in a deep flat in the shadehouse. Soil temperature should be around 65 degrees for best results, never as much as 80 degrees, which does indeed retard germination. If you’ve stratified the seeds, they should germinate readily once sown in cool, moist conditions. Max 4 weeks, usually quicker, I’ve tested and retested our seeds due to several complaints and every time find them to be reliable. You could get plants online if the seeds really don’t work for you. Here are the directions given:
Sow in spring or fall, in pots outdoors or directly in beds outdoors. Barely cover seed with soil and tamp securely, then keep cool and evenly moist until germination, which takes 10 to 20 days. Very warm soil temperatures retard or disallow germination. Indoor growers will often be disappointed–the wild plant needs cool temperatures to germinate.
Richo
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Frito (verified owner) –
Thank you. Our soil was just too warm. We will try again in fall or opt for live plants.
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gkinsc (verified owner) –
We just planted another batch outdoors about a week ago. They are outside in cool temps, sown in 6-pack cells and they are being kept evenly moist. Hopefully, this time they will sprout.
I understand this variety thrives in poorer soils. We were going to plant one more batch of seeds in a week. We could use a sand/soil mix or even plain sand if there’s a chance that might offer better results.
[No luck with the Wild Hawthorn yet although it hasn’t been a full years since planting so there’s still hope. The Arnica Montana and Meadowsweet did fine. The Aleppo Peppers were phenomenal! A new favorite.]
With just a few lactuca virosa seeds left, any tips on medium are appreciated.
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Richo Cech –
hi, thanks for the great report. I too recently planted wild lettuce, direct-seeding a long bed in the field, mid-february. Mine hasn’t germinated yet, either, and i know to have patience with it, because it can take weeks, depending on the coldness of the soil and moisture content and frost. Sandy soils work fine although I do think they need enough substance to hold enough water to germinate the seeds. I generally just use standard fast-draining potting soil. r
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Question
Holly –
Does the wild lettuce seed require cold stratification?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Holly,
It is helpful in order to attain best germination rate. Even planting in a cool greenhouse would be fine. I planted a flat outdoors in the fall and just noticed the seeds coming up last week when the weather improved into the 50’s. Its a wild seed–if you plant it in outdoor conditions it will know its in the wild and germinate. If you plant it in a hot greenhouse it probably won’t germinate. It takes usually a couple of weeks in the right conditions. Richo
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Pamela –
I live in AZ, zone 9. Its in the 90’s here. When should I plant my seeds?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Pamela,
In November, when things cool down a bit. Wild lettuce (and domesticated lettuce, too) doesn’t germinate very well in hot soils.
Richo
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Question
Sandra Bozarth –
Are the seeds usable for two years?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Sandra, Absolutely, lettuce seeds do last for years. Store cool, dark and dry. Richo
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Question
Tammy –
we live in Canada and are in zone 3 is there variety of wild lettuce that would survive in zone 3?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Tammy, the wild lettuce we’re offering here does grow well in cold conditions. I would suggest planting it in the early spring. Richo
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PATRICIA M FRALIX –
I live in north Florida, about 1 mile from the coastline, zone 8b or 9. Would this plant doe well as a winter crop and would it reseed itself?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Patricia, Yes to both questions, the wild lettuce is widely adaptable and self-seeding. r
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Marius de Waal –
Hi
Do you guys ship to South Africa? I want to buy Wild Lettuce and Dandelion. I live on the Westcoast about 3 miles from the sea. We have sandy soil. Will they grow here?
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Richo Cech –
Hell Marius, Sounds like a lovely location. We can no longer ship successfully to South Africa. Customs is tossing the seeds upon arrival. Richo
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Stella (verified owner) –
Great business to buy from
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Nathan –
Do the young flower pods right before it blooms have medicinal properties?
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Richo Cech –
Yes, these are loaded with lactucarium.
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Question
Robert –
I have heirloom and other strains of lettuce self seeding throughout the edible landscape.
If I introduced this, how likely would it be to hybridize with the edible lettuce?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Robert,
Isolation distance for lettuce seed saving is only 6 to 12 feet (Nafazio), whatever distance is required to avoid physical mixing during harvest. Besides, I have wild lettuce growing near to my Lactuca sativa and have never seen hybridization so I think you’re safe.
Richo
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Jan (verified owner) –
I put 2 packets of seeds in the fridge between damp…paper towels. For a few weeks supposedly …but it might have been the summer…because they got pushed to the back of the fridge.and forgot about. I Really wet the Paper towels and let them sit for a few hours because it looked like the baby roots were sticking. Planted them…GORGEOUS!!!
The pix on the right was from inside my greenhouse…in which they seem to prefer…left was on the covered porch.
I buy a ton from Strictlymedicinal and I trust them with all of my Seed Needs!!!
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Sally (verified owner) –
I planted this here last year and the ones i planted in the shade have stuck around and are really looking good in January. I didn’t know these would do so well here in the winter, when will they start making flowers? I use wild lettuce for mild pain relief. I usually make a tincture or just eat the dried plant. Sometimes add leaves to my salad. Thank you!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the good reporting, it is helpful to all of us. Yes, they are winter growers, as long as your winter is not too cold, and your’s isn’t. They’re going to go right to flower in the spring, you should be extracting lactucarium in May.
Richo
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