lol, iceburg

The purple, bitter stuff you are talking about is most likely radicchio.

Many, if not all, lettuce varieties are touted as "slow to bolt". That's because lettuce tends to be quick to bolt.

A lettuce variety I have found to be truly slow to bolt is Nevada. Nevada is a Batavian type lettuce. It forms a loose head, has heavy substance and does not bolt or become bitter for a very long time.

Jim

You might like black seeded Simpson. It's a loose-head/leaf lettuce, green, with a very mild taste. It works very well in salads, and the leaves also will get large enough to use on sandwiches. I've grown it for several years (before it gets too hot and it bolts) and we enjoy it very much. I've had it survive a hard frost with only a sheet tossed over it, so you'll probably be able to grow it all winter long where you are. It's certainly worth the cost of a packet of seeds to find out if you like it -- it germinates quickly, and in my raised beds grows like crazy. I take about 1/4 to 1/3 of the leaves on a plant and they keep giving you more.

I live in Southeast Alabama. On March 10th I planted Forellenchuss, Amish Deer Tongue and Australian Yellow Leaf and love all three. They make a colorful salad, have great taste and keeps really good in the 'fridge. They are still producing in the hot, humid weather we've been having here. I'll be growing these again. I got the seeds from Seed Savers Exchange. I don't like that 'purple bitter mess' either!!

My favorite favorite lettuce ever is butterhead! I am growing some right now (I'm in WI and its still cold here LOL). Otherwise I buy it in the bags and wash it. Try it once! I'm picky about my lettuce too and this stuff I just LOVE!

I, on impulse,bought a large packet of lettuce seed called an "italian salad mix" from Plantation, I believe.

There is a lettuce in it that has an irregular leaf shape, almost like a dandelion, but not exactly. Whatever it is, it is wonderful. Anyone have any ideas? WISH I had a digital camera that worked.....

Found it--it is mizuna.

I'm growing three varieties, Salad Bowl, Italiansheir(sp) and Red Sails. Together with Space spinach it makes an incredible mixed greens salad. Now if only I could coax my carrots and tomatoes to grow so I wouldn't need to buy them from the store, hehe.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sinfonian's garden adventure!

Nice pictures, sinfonian. I'm in Oregon, just east of Portland, so maybe a similar climate. My lettuce isn't up yet, but I planted late. Radishes went in late too. I guess everything did, really, except for the tomatoes - too early! Ah well.

I like the SFG ideas too and my husband has said he'll build another raised bed or two. Right now we just have one.