Wild Lettuce Seeds, Heirloom Culinary & Medicinal Herb

Wild Lettuce — The European Heirloom Herb Prized for Culinary & Medicinal Use

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a preferred wild species from Europe, valued for its highest-latex content among Lactuca varieties, nutrient-dense leaves, and long history of culinary and medicinal use. Less spiny than weedy types, it produces bright purple-black seeds and grows vigorously as a spring-planted annual or overwintering biennial.

Young tender leaves are mild and make an excellent salad or cooked green — the whole plant becomes pleasantly bitter as it matures, especially approaching flower. Young shoots can be used as an asparagus substitute. The plant is also grown medicinally for its milky white latex (lactucarium), which contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene lactones.

Why Grow Wild Lettuce?

• Highest latex content — preferred Lactuca virosa species from Europe
• Dual culinary & medicinal use — leaves, shoots, and latex all have traditional applications
• Nutrient-dense — excellent as a winter salad green or cooked potherb
• Less spiny than weedy types — easier to handle and harvest
• Easy germination — germinates in 5–20 days with minimal effort
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Scatter seeds on moist soil and press lightly — barely cover, as Lactuca needs light to germinate. Sow in spring or fall, in pots or directly in beds. Keep evenly moist until germination (10–20 days). Avoid hot soil temperatures, which retard germination. Thin or transplant to 6 inches apart. Plants flower yellow and can reach up to 6 feet tall.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.