Sword lettuce is known as A Choy or A-Tsai. The bitter green is one of the more popular greens traditionally used in stir-fries and soups . Sword lettuce is native to Asia and has been growing since ancient times. Widely cultivated by both home gardeners and commercial producers, Sword lettuce is most commonly found in Southeast Asia but is also popular among Tawainese living around the world. Today Sword lettuce is found in Asia and may be spotted at local farmers markets in Southern California or in backyard gardens in cooler climates of North America and Europe. 

Sowing

High temperature can inhabit germination, so the seeds should be soaked in refrigerator for two days.

Seeds germinate at 59-77 degree F.

Planting

·          Sow lettuce seeds OE inch deep in wide rows. Sow bolt-resistant lettuce oe inch deep.

·          To prevent soil crusting, sprinkle finely sifted compost or an organic potting soil over seeds.

·          Thin leaf lettuce seedlings to stand 6 to 8 inches apart and head lettuce to 12 inches apart.

·          Space rows 18 inches apart.

·          Lettuce must be thinned; lettuce that is too crowded will bolt.

Transplant rooted thinning to another row or spot; transplanted lettuce will be set back a couple of weeks but it will come to harvest.

Harvesting

Ready for harvest about 35-45 days after planting.You can selectively harvest outer lettuce leaves before the plant reaches full maturity or as soon as the outer leaves are 2- to 3-inches tall. You can cut or gently break off leaves as needed without harvesting the entire plant. Or, if the plant has reached the desired maturity, the entire plant can be pulled.