Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce Seeds (Lactuca sativa) – Heirloom Crisphead with Heat Resistance, Tender Texture & Sweet Mild Flavor

Minimum: 150+ Seeds

Bring home a true American garden classic with Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), the crisphead heirloom that revolutionized the salad world in the 1940s. Known for its dense, large heads, buttery-crisp texture, and sweet, mild flavor, this variety quickly became the standard in home gardens and commercial fields alike. Unlike delicate lettuces that wilt under the summer sun, Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce is prized for its heat tolerance, slow bolting, and ability to thrive in diverse climates. Whether you’re growing for the family table, farmers’ markets, or large-scale production, this heirloom crisphead lettuce delivers consistency, flavor, and reliability.

The heads form tightly layered, medium-green outer leaves with pale, tender hearts, offering the perfect balance between crunch and tenderness. Its clean, refreshing flavor and versatility make it the ideal base for classic salads, crisp sandwiches, and gourmet wraps. With its long-standing reputation and proven adaptability, Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce remains a cornerstone of the garden and kitchen.

🌱 Key Features

• Heirloom Crisphead Variety – Introduced in the 1940s, still beloved for its taste and reliability.

• Heat Resistant – Maintains flavor and texture in warm weather when many lettuces bolt.

• Dense, Large Heads – Tight, uniform growth with crisp, juicy hearts.

• Sweet & Mild Flavor – Refreshing and versatile for countless recipes.

• Proven Performer – A long-time favorite for both home gardeners and market growers.

🌿 Growing Information

• Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa

• Plant Type: Annual leafy vegetable

• Sun Requirement: Full sun (light afternoon shade in hot climates)

• Soil Preference: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.0)

• Sowing: Direct sow outdoors ¼" deep in early spring, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.

• Spacing: Thin or transplant to 12–16" apart in rows 18–24" apart.

• Germination: 7–14 days at 55–70°F.

• Days to Maturity: 70–85 days for full heads; harvest baby leaves sooner.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist to encourage tender growth.

• Harvest: Cut entire heads when firm and full-sized, or harvest outer leaves for continuous picking.

• Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks for an extended harvest season.

🍽️ Culinary Uses

Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce is the epitome of crisp, refreshing greens. Its mild flavor and tender yet crunchy texture make it endlessly versatile:

• Classic Salads – The perfect foundation for Caesar, Cobb, and chef’s salads.

• Sandwiches & Burgers – Crisp leaves that won’t wilt quickly, adding crunch and freshness.

• Wraps & Tacos – A healthy, low-carb wrap alternative with broad, sturdy leaves.

• Garnishes & Platters – Bright, green leaves that stay crisp, ideal for presentation.

• Cold Dishes – Adds refreshing crunch to chilled noodle bowls, pasta salads, or rice rolls.

🌼 Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Beyond its delicious flavor, Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce is a nutritious powerhouse. It is naturally low in calories while being high in vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants. Its high water content makes it hydrating and refreshing, while the fiber supports digestion and satiety. Historically, lettuce has also been valued in folk remedies for its cooling, calming, and sleep-supporting properties.

🌍 Sustainability & Seed Saving

As an heirloom, open-pollinated variety, Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce allows you to save seeds for future planting, preserving biodiversity and gardening tradition. It thrives in organic gardens and integrates well into sustainable farming practices, making it a perfect choice for homesteaders, small farms, and eco-conscious growers.

✨ Why Grow Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce?

This variety is more than just lettuce—it’s a piece of American agricultural history. With its proven resilience, crisp sweetness, and heat tolerance, Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce remains one of the most reliable and rewarding crisphead lettuces you can grow. Whether you’re looking for fresh daily harvests or a show-stopping market green, this heirloom stands the test of time.

✅ Add Great Lakes Batavian Lettuce Seeds to your cart today and grow a classic heirloom crisphead that brings refreshing crunch, reliable performance, and timeless flavor straight from your garden to your table.