Butterhead Lettuce Seeds - Tender Butterhead Lettuce Varieties

Butterhead lettuce seeds are among the most popular lettuce seeds in the vegetable garden. Classic butterhead lettuces form loose, round heads with particularly tender leaves and a mild flavour. Many varieties grow reliably in cool temperatures and are therefore ideal for early sowing in spring.

Butterhead lettuce belongs botanically to garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from the so called butterhead group. Typical features are large, soft leaves with a fine, slightly “buttery” leaf texture. The inner heart leaves are especially tender, while the outer leaves are firmer and more aromatic.

Compared with other lettuce types such as Batavia lettuce, iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, butterhead lettuces are noticeably softer and more delicate in flavour. They are therefore considered the classic head lettuce for fresh green salads from the home garden.

Well known varieties include “May King”, “Attraktion”, “Buttercrunch” and “Marvel of Four Seasons”. Depending on the variety they are suitable for spring, summer or autumn cultivation and allow a continuous lettuce harvest over many months.