What type of Letuce is this ?

Hello. I saw this once in a garden walking by but no one there to tell me what it is
it grows very strongly in sort of an upward spiral. It does not fragil at all 9 could not touch it as it was behind a fence.
Many Italians in that area so I guess its something to do with Italian cooking.
Who can tell me the name and where to get it in Vancouver? Thank you

 

vicarious, this is what happens to any lettuce that is left in for too long. It is known as bolting.It is the start of the plant producing flowers followed by seeds. Once they start to bold do not try to eat them the leaves taste bitter.Sometimes weather conditions will make a whole row bolt at the same time.
Sorry do not know the varietal name of this particular lettuce.

http://images.google.com/images?q=l...1I7SUNA_en-GB&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

 

Cichorium bolting?

http://mostlyiwillbegrowing.wordpress.com/gallery/plot-1-chicory/

 

Hello FANTSTIC .I love your slide show thank you. So to me it pretty looks like your slideshow evolution. I did NOT take that picture right now I had it since last year so I can't tell when I took it as I rename my pics so the date would be changed. Anyway it did not look as bolting at all as there is NO stem or anything like a bloom ...I love the look of it . Is it sweet or bitter ?

 

Try some and see!

The slight bitterness is what makes chicory so nice.

 

Hello Vicarious
The up-right lettuce is an Italian RADICCHIO for which there are many kinds, white and red, that particular one looks like the Pan di Zucckero translation Sugar Loaf and it grows on a spiral 10 to 12 high. Now is the time to sow the seeds as a fall crop. If you wish, I have some seeds (free) imported from Italy of that particular kind and others.

 

Bjourno ..That is a very kind offer you think they will grow again from now onwards in Vancouver? I'd glady get some seeds like that again we love it. Thanks.

 

Buona sera…your south slop will be an ideal place to grow anything. Yes there is plenty of time before winter, the first week in July is the ideal time to plant Radicchio, if you plant to early, it will go to seeds before forming the head.

 

So how can we orchastrate the seeds.. you should look here what is it you would like how about KALE seed we will get lots later on. oR Chinese green also the dark puple leafes ..