We owe this excellent variety to the seedsman Vilmorin, who introduced it in 1771. The synonyms "laitue à la reine" and "laitue à carême" are mentioned in Vilmorin-Andrieux's "Les Plantes Potagères" in 1883, and likely earlier. In this work, it is also described under the name "laitue épinard," with "laitue à feuille de chêne" being among the synonyms. This latter name has withstood the test of time better than the others!

This true ancestor produces beautiful, deeply lobed green leaves, similar to oak leaves, with a remarkably mild flavor. The dense rosette consists of countless rather long, beautiful dark green leaves. These grow back very well after being cut. In addition to being delicious in salads, oak leaf lettuce shows exceptional qualities when braised or stewed.

Very cold-tolerant, it is also distinguished by superior resistance to insects and diseases. It even seems that rabbits don't touch it! Moreover, it is very slow to bolt and can be cultivated all summer long.

Days to harvest: Young leaves: 28 | Mature leaves: 50

 600 seeds per packet