At one point in history, Tennis Ball Lettuce, dominated the market. It grew even in the darkest of days very well and had a tolerance for the cold. America can thank Bethiah Oliver, Massachusetts seedswoman who imported it to America from the United Kingdom in 1769
There were two strains, white-seeded and black-seeded. The white-seeded strain, popular in the North, matures two weeks earlier and is slightly more bitter than the black-seeded. The southern United States, favored the black-seeded strain. Is it possible they favored it because of its sweetness or their contempt for the northern states?
Additionally at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson grew 15 varieties of lettuce and favored the Tennis Ball for its low maintenance compared to other lettuces.
We are currently stocking Southern Exposure while we wait for the 2026 seeds from Seedsavers. Both are the black seeded variety.
The Seed Savers Exchange - Small rosettes of light green leaves measure only 7" in diameter and form loose tender heads. Grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. According to Heirloom Vegetable Gardening by SSE member William Woys Weaver, tennis ball lettuces were often pickled in salt brine during the 17th and 18th centuries. Black-seeded. Butterhead, 50 days
Characteristics:
- Organic
- Heads grow to 7 inches
- Soft textured rosettes
- Black seeded
- Butterhead lettuce
- 50 days
Instructions - Sow continuously for a constant supply of lettuce. Best grown in cooler weather. Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Direct Seed 1" apart
Plant 1/4" deep
Germinate 7-14 days
Thin: 6-8" Apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.
