Growing lettuce in your own garden is such a rewarding experience! There’s something special about stepping outside and knowing exactly where your food comes from. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, adding a variety of lettuces to your garden can make the experience even more exciting—not to mention delicious.
With so many different types of lettuce to choose from, your salads will never be boring again.
If you’re looking to expand your garden and add a little more color (and crunch) to your plate, these 20 types of lettuce will inspire you to get planting. Trust me, once you taste homegrown lettuce, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
1. Butterhead Lettuce
If you’re looking for a lettuce that feels like a guilty pleasure, butterhead is your go-to. Its tender leaves form a loose head that melts in your mouth. I often use it to wrap my homemade burgers, and trust me, it’s life-changing.
The texture is buttery, hence the name, and its flavor pairs well with almost anything. Imagine plucking these fresh beauties right from the garden! I remember the first time I tasted it—it was love at first bite.
Growing them is amazing. They don’t demand too much attention. It’s almost as if they know they’re the star of the show in my garden.
2. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine is that friend who’s always dependable. Tall and crunchy, it adds a satisfying texture to my salads. My family loves it, especially when we grill them slightly for a smoky flavor.
There’s something magical about slicing into a romaine heart, the crunch echoes through the garden.
It’s not just for Caesar salads. I love using it as a bed for grilled chicken or fish. It’s a staple in my garden and on my plate.
3. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg and I go way back. It’s the classic, the one that’s been in my kitchen since childhood. Crunchy and refreshing, it’s perfect for when you want something light.
I love using it for tacos, where it adds that much-needed crunch.
People often underestimate iceberg, but in my experience, it’s the best for a classic wedge salad. It’s a familiar friend that never disappoints. You should definitely try it!
4. Oakleaf Lettuce
This one is like having a piece of art in your garden. With its leaves, it brings an elegant touch to any salad. I appreciate its slightly nutty flavor, which gives my dishes a unique twist.
The green and sometimes red colors are beautiful. It’s almost too pretty to eat, but once you do, you’re hooked. I remember the first time I served it at a dinner party. It was the talk of the evening!
It thrives in my garden, handling the sun and shade with grace. Isn’t that amazing?
5. Looseleaf Lettuce
The free spirit of the lettuce world. Without forming a head, it offers a bouquet of leaves that are easy to harvest. I adore how I can just snip off what I need, leaving the rest to continue growing.
It comes in an array of colors, from bright greens to deep reds, adding color to my garden. The texture and the flavor make it perfect for any salad.
Plus, growing looseleaf lettuce is almost therapeutic.
6. Batavian Lettuce
Batavian lettuce, or Summer Crisp, grows even in warmer weather.
The taste has a hint of sweetness, which pairs well with tangy dressings. It’s resilient and continues to grow even when the temperature rises.
I remember the first summer I planted it, I was amazed at how well it stood up to the heat, making it a reliable choice for my garden. So, my cards are on this one!
7. Lollo Rosso Lettuce
I’m bringing you the diva in my vegetable patch. With its burgundy leaves and edges, it’s a real showstopper. I can’t help but feel proud when guests marvel at its beauty.
The taste is slightly bitter and spicy, giving a twist to my salads. It’s not just a pretty face. It adds character to any of my dishes.
Growing lollo rosso is like having a living bouquet in my garden. It’s resilient and always steals the spotlight.
8. Mache Lettuce
This one is also known as corn salad.
Mache is a cold-weather champion, thriving when other lettuces struggle. It’s like having a friend who’s always there when you need them.
The first time I grew mache, its resilience amazed me. It’s a humble yet amazing addition to my gardening repertoire. If you want powerhouse in your garden, try with mache lettuce!
9. Little Gem Lettuce
Little Gem is like the adorable sibling of romaine. Small but mighty, it’s full of flavor and crunch. I find it perfect for individual-sized salads or as a topping for sandwiches.
The leaves are tightly packed. I still remember the surprise on my family’s faces when I first served it at a barbecue.
Growing it requires minimal space and offers maximum reward. So, little gem is an actual gem of my garden!
10. Red Leaf Lettuce
The artist’s muse of my garden. Its leaves contrast beautifully with the greens, creating a visual treat. The flavor is mild yet slightly sweet, making it an amazing addition to meals.
Plus, I love the way it adds color to my dishes.
It’s a centerpiece that never fails to impress.
11. Green Leaf Lettuce
I found a companion for my garden adventures. It has a flavor that complements any salad. I find its adaptability in both sunny and shady spots incredible.
The leaves have a texture that’s perfect for wrapping around savory fillings. It’s my go-to for fresh garden wraps during summer picnics.
So, green leaf lettuce is always consistent and ready to delight. Isn’t that what we all love?
12. Buttercrunch Lettuce
If you want texture and taste, try buttercrunch lettuce. Its leaves are so satisfying to bite into. I love using it as a base for creamy dressings, which coat each leaf perfectly.
The taste is a crowd-pleaser at my family gatherings. It’s the kind of lettuce that upgrades any dish to gourmet status.
So, it’s both beautiful and deliciously rewarding. Just the way I like it!
13. Frisee Lettuce
Frisee is the avant-garde member of my lettuce family. Its leaves have a slightly bitter edge that adds something different to my salads. I adore how it pairs with sweet fruits and nuts for a balanced dish.
The texture is light and airy. It’s both visually beautiful and a delight to eat. Impressive, I know!
I first encountered frisee at a French bistro, and now it’s a must-have in my garden.
14. Crisphead Lettuce
For those of you who crave crunch, Crisphead lettuce is the classic choice for it.
The leaves are tightly packed, giving each bite a satisfying snap. I love making my sandwiches with a bit of lettuce on top. Makes me crave more every time!
It’s the kind of lettuce that makes my garden feel complete. Try it and thank me later!
15. Speckled Lettuce
This one is like nature’s polka dot dress. Its leaves are green, dotted with red spots that catch the eye. I find its appearance as beautiful as its taste.
The unique pattern makes it a conversation starter at any gathering.
Planting speckled lettuce in my garden is like adding a piece of fun. Isn’t that amazing?
16. Arugula
Arugula. Even the name sounds exciting. Its peppery bite adds a kick to my salads that I can’t resist. I often pair it with sweet fruits to balance its flavor.
The leaves are small and tender, yet full of flavor. On plate, they seem like they are always ready to surprise.
The best part? It’s fast-growing and resilient, making it a reliable partner in my garden.
17. Radicchio
Radicchio brings a touch of drama to my vegetable garden. I enjoy grilling it for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
The texture is firm, making it perfect for salads. It’s like adding a dash of theater to my meals.
Cultivating radicchio is rewarding. It’s a standout in both appearance and taste. Quite impressive, right?
18. Endive
Endive is the sophisticated cousin in my lettuce lineup. Its leaves are slightly bitter and so elegant. I started using it to create stylish appetizers for dinner parties. And it did not disappoint!
Perfect for scooping up delicious dips. It’s like having a touch of class on your plate.
t’s both a visual and culinary delight that I cherish.
19. Escarole
Escarole is the giant in my lettuce family. I love incorporating it into soups, where it adds both flavor and texture.
It has become an addition to my cooking repertoire.
I get beauty and bounty in my garden beds. So, it’s a staple that I wouldn’t want to be without.
20. Celtuce
And finally, I’ve got a newcomer in my garden. Known for its thick stem rather than its leaves, it offers a unique crunch. I enjoy slicing it thin and tossing it in stir-fries for an extra layer of texture.
For me, celtuce is like a blend between lettuce and celery. It’s a new addition to my kitchen experiments.
Growing celtuce has been a journey. And I am planning to continue my journey in the next year too!