Lactuca sativa var. angustana(stem lettuce, "Kakichisha")
Japanese name: カキチシャ（掻萵苣） Scientific name:Lactuca sativa var. angustana
[Overview]
A biennial.
The stem becomes 3–5 cm thick and over 1 m tall.
The leaves are simple, alternate and oblong.
[History]
It is said to have been cultivated in the Nara period.
[Uses]
As the stem grows, the leaves are picked off and eaten.
The stem is also peeled and boiled, and used in salads and stir-fries.
The dried stem is called yama-kurage.
[Cultivation]
Growth is poor at 25°C or higher, so grow it in a cool season.
Sowing in spring and harvesting in early summer is the norm, but in warm regions sowing in autumn and harvesting in winter is also possible.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained place.
It is weak in acidic soil and prefers slightly alkaline soil.
It is best to space the plants about 20 cm apart.
When the soil dries and the leaves lose vigor, water thoroughly.
Apply slow-release fertilizer at the base of the plants 2–3 weeks and 1 month after planting.
When the stem reaches a height of 20–30 cm, harvest the leaves in order starting from the lowest.
Aphids can occur.
