Bis di Lattughe Seeds – Early Cutting Lettuce Mix by Franchi Seeds

A heritage cutting‑lettuce mix combining two complementary types that produce very early lime‑green and red leaves with a crisp, juicy rib. The ruffled foliage adds great texture and colour to mixed salads and makes an attractive garnish. Bred for cut‑and‑come‑again use, giving one or two fast harvests before leaves toughen. Suitable for beds, borders, raised beds and containers. Approx. 4000 seeds per packet for multiple sowings from late winter to early autumn.

🌱 Sowing information
Sow February–September in shallow drills outdoors, under cloche in cooler months, or in deep containers with fertile, free‑draining compost. Cover lightly (0.5–1 cm), water gently and keep soil moist. For continuous salads, sow small patches every 2–3 weeks.
☀️ Light exposure
Prefers full sun in spring and early autumn; benefits from light partial shade in warmer weather to reduce stress and delay bolting. In Ireland, a bright, open site with some afternoon protection gives tender leaves and good colour.
💧 Water needs
Keep soil evenly moist for soft, succulent growth. Irregular watering can cause bitterness and faster bolting. Mulch or group containers to retain moisture, especially in raised beds.
🌡️ Germination temperature & time
Germinates best at 10–18 °C, usually in 7–14 days. Start under cover early in the season; from late spring, direct sow outdoors as soils warm.
📏 Plant spacing & final size
For cut‑and‑come‑again use, sow densely in bands and thin lightly to form a carpet of foliage. For slightly larger rosettes, thin to 10–15 cm apart.
🌼 Harvesting notes
Cut when plants reach 8–12 cm, trimming leaves 2–3 cm above the crown for regrowth. Limit to one or two cuts per sowing; then re‑sow for best quality.

Bullet Technical Data
• 🌱 Sowing depth: 0.5–1 cm
• 📅 Planting months (Ireland): February–September in small batches
• ☀️ Light: Full sun to light partial shade
• 🌡️ Germination: 7–14 days at 10–18 °C
• 📏 Plant height: 10–20 cm at harvest
• 🪴 Spacing: Dense for baby leaves; 10–15 cm for rosettes
• ⏳ Days to maturity: 25–35 days to first cut
• 🧪 Seeds per packet: approx. 4000

Tips & Tricks for Growing
Use Bis di Lattughe as a quick filler crop between slower vegetables like brassicas, leeks and tomatoes. Sow thin strips along bed edges or between rows, harvesting before the main crop needs space.
Follow a simple sow–cut–re‑sow rhythm: after the second cut, clear and re‑sow immediately. In mid‑summer, provide light shade and water early to keep leaves sweet and prevent bolting.

Garden-to-Table Recipe (for 4 people)
Early-Season Lime-Green & Red Lettuce Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Ingredients
• Large bowl of Bis di Lattughe leaves
• 1 small fennel bulb or handful of radishes, sliced
• ½ small red onion, finely sliced
• 40 g toasted walnuts or hazelnuts
• 40 g goat’s cheese or feta (optional)
Dressing
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp white wine or cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt & pepper

Method 
1. Place lettuce, fennel/radish, onion and nuts in a bowl.
2. Shake dressing ingredients in a jar until smooth.
3. Toss salad gently with dressing just before serving.
4. Add crumbled cheese if using.
Serving suggestions & variations
Serve with grilled chicken, roast vegetables or simple pasta dishes. Variations: add sliced pear or apple, swap nuts for toasted seeds, or use a lemon‑herb dressing.