Still the premier garden lettuce in most people's vegetable patch. It has large, wrinkled leaves with a big tight centre of crisp, white leaf. It is outstanding whether the summer is wet or dry and always slow to run to seed.

Sow thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart. A moist well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and to make sowings during the early afternoon.

Thin out gradually to 30cm (12in) apart.

Harvest when the head feels firm when gently pressed. The heads keep well in a fridge if they are wrapped in polythene film.