Buttercrunch Lettuce: Crisp, Sweet, and Heat-Resistant Greens
Buttercrunch lettuce is a premium butterhead variety known for its exceptional flavor and texture. This heirloom cultivar, developed by George J. Raleigh at Cornell University in the early 1960s, matures in just 45 days, forming a compact 6″ rosette with dark green outer leaves and a creamy yellow heart[1][6]. As an All-America Selections winner in 1963, Buttercrunch has become a favorite among gardeners and salad enthusiasts for its superior heat tolerance and resistance to bolting[4].
This versatile lettuce offers a delightful combination of crisp texture and buttery smoothness, making it perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Its sweet, mild flavor persists even as the plant matures, staying tender long after other varieties turn bitter[4]. The fan-shaped, tightly bunched rosette not only provides an abundant harvest but also adds visual appeal to your garden or container plantings[1][7].
Buttercrunch lettuce thrives in full sun to partial shade, growing to a height of 8-12 inches with a spread of 10 inches[1][7]. This compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, raised beds, or even as an ornamental addition to flower borders. The plant’s shallow root system requires consistent moisture, but its improved heat resistance allows for extended harvests well into warmer weather[2][5].
Growing Success Tips:
- Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spaced 5-8 inches apart[1]
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged[5]
- Harvest outer leaves regularly for continuous production[6]
- Plant successive crops every 2-3 weeks for a steady supply[2]
Buttercrunch lettuce offers gardeners a reliable, productive, and delicious crop that’s easy to grow and quick to harvest. Its exceptional heat tolerance and slow-bolting nature make it a versatile choice for various climates and growing conditions.
For the sweetest flavor, harvest Buttercrunch lettuce in the cool morning hours[2].
Product Features
- Maturation time: 45 days
- Rosette size: 6 inches
- Plant height: 8-12 inches
- Spacing: 10 inches
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Water needs: Consistent moisture
- Temperature range: 55-75°F (13-24°C)
Key Benefits
- Exceptional heat tolerance and bolt resistance
- Sweet, buttery flavor that persists as plant matures
- Versatile for salads, sandwiches, and wraps
- Compact size suitable for small spaces and containers
Citations: [1] http://www.phytotheca.com/phytotheca/lettuce-butterhead-buttercrunch/ [2] https://www.thefineseeds.com/blogs/news/buttercrunch-butterhead-lettuce-growing-guide [3] https://www.harvesting-history.com/product/buttercrunch/ [4] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/lettuce/what-is-buttercrunch-lettuce.htm [5] http://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingbuttercrunchlettuce.html [6] https://www.zimbokitchen.com/len/buttercrunch-lettuce/ [7] https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/buttercrunch-butterhead-lettuce-seeds [8] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-buttercrunch-lettuce-4767592 [9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lettuce [10] https://www.plantgoodseed.com/products/buttercrunch-lettuce-seeds-lactuca-sativa [11] https://greg.app/buttercrunch-lettuce-benefits/ [12] https://www.motherearthgardener.com/plant-profiles/the-history-of-lettuce-zm0z18szphe/ [13] https://snakeriverseeds.com/products/lettuce-buttercrunch [14] https://bonnieplants.com/blogs/how-to-grow/growing-lettuce [15] https://shiloh-manor.com/a-short-history-of-lettuce/ [16] https://www.westcoastseeds.com/products/buttercrunch [17] https://savvygardening.com/how-to-plant-lettuce/ [18] https://seedstosuccess.com/seeds/lettuce/ [19] https://www.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=037800001000919 [20] https://www.edengreen.com/blog-collection/hydroponic-butterhead-lettuce
