50 days. The Europeans settling the New World wrote about this lettuce in the 1740's, so we can only guess how far back its cultivation goes among the indigenous peoples of North America. Given its flavor and texture, we would have to say that Deer Tongue is aged to perfection, for you simply cannot find a milder, more succulent bite in the looseleaf family. And now it is available in Certified Organic seed form, so you can grow this native treasure in your home garden!Forming a loose rosette-shaped head about 7 to 9 inches in diameter, this mid-green lettuce offers triangular, almost pointed leaves. You might expect them to be a bit crisp and unforgiving, given their shape and stand-up look, but they are tender and very mild and sweet, with melt-in-your-mouth rich flavor. Don't bother picking the leaves individually; once you taste Organic Deer Tongue, you will want the entire head! Very tolerant of both unseasonable heat and cold, this heirloom is adapted to a wide range of climates, as you would expect from a lettuce that has been growing happily here for centuries. You will find it slow to bolt and a very dependable producer, germinating well and growing readily. No wonder it acquired the second name "Matchless" at some point in its history! We like the original name better, though -- the leaves really do resemble deers' tongues, at least in shape and size if not in color! This cool-season crop matures quickly from an early spring or late summer sowing. Enjoy one of our best home-grown treasures with Deer Tongue! This seed is Certified Organic from Clemson University DPI according to NOP standards. Packet is 1/32-ounce. |
