Lactuca sativa 'Bibb'
bibb lettuce
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Bibb' is a butterhead-type lettuce cultivar in the Asteraceae spp. family, growing 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall and 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) wide in a loose, open rosette. Named after John Bibb of Frankfort, Kentucky, who developed the cultivar in the mid-1800s. Leaves are small, round, thin, tender, with a silky-smooth texture and a buttery flavour. Outer leaves are medium to dark green; inner leaves blanch to pale yellow-green. Days to maturity: 55–65 from direct sow. Bolts rapidly above 75°F (24°C). In the Pacific Northwest, sow March–April and August–September. Susceptible to bottom rot, tipburn, aphids, and slugs.
Native Range
Lactuca sativa is derived from L. serriola, native to the Mediterranean basin. 'Bibb' was developed in Kentucky in the mid-1800s.Suggested Uses
Fresh eating — salads, lettuce wraps, sandwiches. The pliable leaves make natural wraps for Asian-style lettuce cups.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread8" - 10"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Yellow composite flowers when bolting. Bolting indicates crop is past quality.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow (bolting)Foliage Description
Medium to dark green outer; pale yellow-green innerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Direct sow 0.25 inch deep, thin to 6–8 inches. Full sun to partial shade, moist soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Water 1 inch per week. In PNW, sow March–April and August–September.Pruning
No pruning. Harvest entire head or outer leaves individually.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons