Buttercrunch Lettuce

Characteristics

Buttercrunch lettuce, a variety of butterhead lettuce, is a popular choice for gardeners due to its soft, tender leaves and sweet, mild flavor. It’s known for forming loose heads with buttery-textured, slightly crinkled leaves. Buttercrunch is prized for its heat tolerance and can be grown in both spring and fall.  The heads are loose, with light green leaves that have a slight curl or crinkle at the edges. The inner leaves form a small, creamy, compact heart.  This variety is more heat-tolerant than other lettuces, making it less likely to bolt in warmer weather.  Like most lettuces, Buttercrunch is very low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, low-calorie diet.  High in vitamins A and K, which are important for vision, immune function, and bone health.  Provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion.  It grows best in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or fall. grows well alongside carrots, radishes, onions, and herbs like dill or cilantro.  Avoid planting it near broccoli and kale, as they can attract similar pests.

Culture

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting to ensure it has plenty of nutrients.
• Water: Water regularly, as lettuce needs consistent moisture to grow tender and sweet leaves. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
• Mulch: Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool, especially in warmer weather.
• Fertilizer: If the soil is rich in organic matter, additional fertilization may not be necessary. However, if you notice slow growth, you can apply a balanced fertilizer.

Pest & Disease Management

• Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to control aphids on lettuce leaves.
• Slugs: Slugs can be a problem in cool, moist conditions. Use organic slug deterrents like diatomaceous earth or copper tape around your plants.
• Downy Mildew: To prevent fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation by properly spacing plants and avoid overhead watering.

Tips for Growth / Harvest

• Harvest: Start picking the outer leaves when they are big enough to eat. This allows the plant to continue producing new leaves. Or wait until the head is firm and well-formed, then cut it at the base of the plant. You can harvest the whole head, which will be smaller than some other varieties but very tender and flavorful.
• For the best flavor, harvest in the morning when the leaves are crisp.