Tennis Ball Lettuce Seeds (Lactuca sativa cv.)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
Tennis Ball was among Thomas Jefferson's favorite lettuce varieties. He noted that "it does not require so much care and attention" as other types. The parent of our modern Boston race of lettuces so popular today, this black-seeded variety was first sold by American seedsmen late in the 18th century. Tennis Ball is distinctive for its delicate, pale-green leaves, which form a loose head. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Direct sow seeds in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked, in rich, well-prepared soil. Tennis Ball Lettuce is also suitable for fall crops that may be planted in late summer. Approximately 100-150 seeds per packet.