
Ear of the Devil Lettuce
Lactuca sativa Seeds per pack ~ 100 Germination: 97% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025 Origins and History Ear of the Devil Lettuce is a rare heirloom variety believed to have originated in Central and Western Europe, particularly favored in France during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its unusual name likely comes from its jagged, dramatic leaf shape, which was seen as resembling “devil’s ears” in folk tradition. Gardeners and seed savers have prized it for centuries, not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its resilience and flavor, helping preserve it through heirloom seed exchanges into the present day. Appearance and Characteristics This lettuce is most easily recognized by its deeply cut, spiky, oak-leaf shaped leaves, which often form loose heads rather than tight, compact ones. The leaves are a rich green, sometimes with bronze tinges along the edges, giving the plant a striking, ornamental quality. Plants typically reach 10–12 inches in height and spread outward in a loose