Description
The plant has a short stem initially ( a rosette growth habit), but when it gradually blooms, the stems and branches lengthens; and produces many flower heads that look like those of dandelions, but smaller. This is referred to as bolting. When grown to eat, lettuce is harvested before it bolts. Lettuce is used as a food plant by larvae of some Lepidoptera (Wikipedia, 2009).
Cultivation
Lettuce is grown commercially worldwide, requiring light, sandy, humus rich, and moist soil. Dry conditions can cause the plants to go to seed (known as bolting). It is normally grown by early and late sowing in sunny positions, or summer crops in shade (Wikipedia, 2009).
Bullock (1950) as cited by Ybañez (1981) suggested that whichever types are grown, lettuce should have the richest spot in the garden or fields, as it requires a long time to develop satisfactorily on poor soils. Thus, soils rich in organic matter should be provided for successful gardening.
Pests
Lettuce is bothered by very few pests and diseases. Slugs are its biggest enemy, and they can be thwarted by setting out a saucer of beer to trap them in, or by sprinkling diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around plants. These sharp substances cut the slugs' underbellies when they slide across it, and kills them (Vanderlinden, 2010).
Aphids can also be a problem. If they are, try killing them off with a blast of water from the hose or try a homemade spray to get rid of them. Cutworms can also be a problem, and the best way to protect against them is to install a collar made of thick paper or cardboard around the base of any newly-planted lettuce seedlings (Vanderlinden, 2010).
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