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[Lactuca sativa var. capitata] Mortadella di primavera lettuce seeds, small compact head, one of the earliest spring lettuces.
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Mortadella di primavera lettuce, also called "gentilina bionda", is a compact, crunchy head variety, among the first lettuces to mature in spring and very popular in traditional Italian gardens.
A Lactuca sativa var. capitata variety, it forms a small compact head of bright light green, with crisp, slightly blistered leaves and a delicate flavour.
Sow early from January to March in seedbed, or direct sow from March: good cold tolerance makes it suitable for winter sowing in temperate areas too.
Grows quickly in the cool temperatures of spring; needs regular watering while the small head is forming, to prevent cold from slowing its development too much.
The short growing cycle makes it one of the first lettuces to be harvested in season; it's worth planning its sowing in succession with other varieties to stagger the harvest.
Less prone to rot than other head lettuces thanks to its small size; slugs and aphids remain the pests to monitor in the early growth stages.
The curious name is said to come from the round, compact shape of the head, vaguely resembling a small mortadella. It's a very traditional variety, passed down in family gardens.
A source of vitamin A, vitamin K and folate, mortadella di primavera lettuce has refreshing properties and a very low calorie content.
About 14 kcal per 100 g, with over 94% water, a fair fibre and potassium content.