Eventual height & spread
lettuce 'Marvel of Four Seasons'
lettuce or Lactuca sativa 'Merveille des Quatre Saisons'
- approx 500 seeds
- £2.49
- available to order from autumn
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: humus-rich, moisture retentive soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: frost hardy annual
This easy-to-grow, heritage variety from 1885 is a great performer in hot and cold conditions and can be harvested nearly all year round. Slow to bolt, ‘Marvel of Four Seasons’ produces medium/large butterhead type lettuces with deep crimson outer leaves and light green centre leaves. A great ‘all-rounder’, and of excellent flavour, autumn sowings will need extra protection during the winter months e.g cloche or horticultural protection fleece.
Plant out in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent bolting and bitterness. Protect young plants from frost with cloches or fleece, and thin them to around 20-25cm (8-10in) apart for good airflow.
Harvest outer leaves as needed for a continuous supply, or cut the whole head when mature; for spring crops, harvesting in the cooler mornings keeps leaves crisp and sweet. Rotate with other crops to reduce disease risk and watch for slugs in damp conditions.
Harvest outer leaves as needed for a continuous supply, or cut the whole head when mature; for spring crops, harvesting in the cooler mornings keeps leaves crisp and sweet. Rotate with other crops to reduce disease risk and watch for slugs in damp conditions.
Early in the season sow into trays or modules in the greenhouse or on a windowsill. Thin seedlings to 5cm (2in) apart and harden off before planting allowing 30cm (12in) between plants.
Later in the season sow direct where they are to grow in shallow drills. Protect from slugs and cover early and late sowings with a cloche. A late sowing made in August in a coldframe or in the greenhouse borders will grow on right through winter.
Later in the season sow direct where they are to grow in shallow drills. Protect from slugs and cover early and late sowings with a cloche. A late sowing made in August in a coldframe or in the greenhouse borders will grow on right through winter.
