Speckled lettuce is a Dutch heirloom lettuce. It is a cross between a green butterhead and the German Forellenschluss or trout back romaine. It’s noted for its rosettes of large, apple-green, rounded leaves that are heavily splashed with burgundy speckles, as they can truly beautify any garden. But, they’re more than just the pretty looks. Their medium-size, dense heads of buttery leaves also provide a sweet and buttery taste that no one can resist. And, if you pick them in the morning, they’re even cooler, crispier, and full of moisture!
This variety of lettuce originally came from the Netherlands that even dates back to the year 1660. Then, it was brought to Germany, where it has been widely cultivated since. By the year 1799, the variety was brought to North America by Urias Martin. It first arrived in the county of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada.
Classification Information:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Lactuca
Species: L. Sativa
Binomial Name: Lactuca Sativa ‘Speckled Lettuce’
Speckled Lettuce Trivia
- Speckled lettuce got its name from one of its crosses, the German Forellenschluss, which means “speckled like a trout.”
- In the early 19th century, it became a favorite hothouse lettuce in Philadelphia due to how well they perform under greenhouse conditions.
- Speckled lettuce is less susceptible to aphids than many other lettuces.