Lamb's Lettuce Verte de Cambrai is a classic, hardy variety of the round-leaved type that forms compact rosettes with small, round, dark green, thick leaves. The leaves are tender, juicy and have a delicate, slightly nutty flavour. Thanks to its excellent cold tolerance and resistance to moderate frost, this variety is particularly well suited to autumn and winter cultivation. It is less suitable for growing during the warmer months, as the plants tend to bolt quickly and produce seed. Lamb's Lettuce Verte de Cambrai is valued for its soft, crisp leaves and mild, slightly nutty taste. The compact rosettes are highly versatile and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked.
Raw, this lamb's lettuce is an excellent base for green salads, meal salads and winter salads. Its delicate flavour pairs especially well with apples, pears, beetroot, avocado and citrus fruits. Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts and pecans further enhance its naturally nutty character. It also combines beautifully with goat's cheese, feta, blue cheese, aged cheese and smoked salmon. A dressing made with olive oil, walnut oil or a honey-mustard vinaigrette perfectly complements its refined flavour. The young leaves are also delicious in sandwiches, wraps, burgers and filled rolls. They can be added to soups just before serving, allowing them to wilt slightly while retaining their fresh taste. In traditional mashed potato dishes they add a fresh, delicate note and pair particularly well with potatoes, bacon, smoked sausage and mushrooms. The leaves can also be briefly sautéed or braised as a leafy vegetable. Heating them for only a few minutes preserves their tender texture, fresh flavour and nutritional value. Lamb's lettuce is equally delicious in pasta dishes, risottos, quiches, savoury pies and omelettes. Like spinach, it can also be blended into creamy sauces or made into a fresh green pesto. Rich in vitamins A and C, folate, and minerals such as iron and potassium, Lamb's Lettuce Verte de Cambrai is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Its excellent winter hardiness makes it an ideal vegetable for enjoying fresh, tender leaves throughout the colder months. Hardy annual. Height: 10 - 15 cm.
Outdoor sowing: Early August - September
Outdoor sowing under glass: September - October
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 10 - 16 °C
Sowing depth: ½ cm
Planting distance: 7 - 10 cm
Distance between the rows: 10 - 15 cm
Plant position: full sun
Days till harvest: 60 - 90 days
Sow Lamb's Lettuce outdoors from early August to September. Sow in rows 10 - 15 cm apart to make weeding between the rows easier. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed compost or fine soil. Lamb's lettuce is undemanding and grows well in a wide range of well-drained garden soils. If the seedlings emerge too densely, thin them to 7 - 10 cm apart to encourage the formation of large, healthy rosettes. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture may cause the leaves to rot. Ensure good drainage while keeping the soil evenly moist during dry periods.
Sowing under protection is possible from September to October in an unheated greenhouse, cold frame or polytunnel. This extends the growing season and protects the young seedlings from frost. Protect lamb's lettuce from slugs, as they are particularly fond of the tender leaves. The plants tolerate moderate frost down to approximately –5 °C. During periods of more severe frost, protection with fleece or plastic tunnels is recommended. Ensure that plastic tunnels are adequately ventilated to prevent excessive humidity, which can lead to leaf rot and fungal diseases.
For a continuous harvest, sow a small quantity every three weeks. Harvest when the plants are approximately 8 - 10 cm tall. Lamb's lettuce is best sown directly outdoors, as its delicate root system does not tolerate transplanting well.
