Discover our Lettuce
Rijk Zwaan offers future-proof solutions for growers. Lettuce production is evolving rapidly. Labour shortages in mature markets drive mechanisation in transplanting and harvesting. At the same time, stricter limits on water, pesticides and fertilisers accelerate the shift to hydroponics. These trends create strong demand for innovative lettuce varieties with robust resistance traits – solutions that help British growers stay competitive and meet sustainability goals.
Innovations and solutions
We breed lettuce varieties to address the needs of British growers and their customers. Our extensive range is specially selected to address yield, uniformity, field holding ability, pest and disease control, bolting, ease of harvest and processing, and shelf life, amongst the many other considerations our growers need to consider when choosing the right variety. We aim for our varieties and high-quality seeds to offer growers the best chances of a successful crop; and to promote healthy, fresh produce in the UK market.
Our Solutions for Lettuce
Nasonovia Defense™
A new, natural source of resistance that helps defend your lettuce crop against both known types of Nasonovia ribisnigri.
Salanova®
The lettuce that revolutionized the contents of salad bags, transforming them from shredded pieces into fresh, appealing, colourful, crisp whole leaves with a small cut surface.
Knox™
Introducing Knox™ – a natural trait that not only delays pinking in lettuce but also extends shelf life and reduces waste. Launched in 2015, we now offer a complete range of lettuce varieties, ideal for various ready-to-eat salad applications.
Open Heart Cos
Open Heart Cos leaves can be harvested mechanically thanks to its open habit.
Crunchy Lettuce
The best of cos and iceberg combined.
Hydroponics
Special varieties to meet specific requirements in hydroponic cultures.
Cos: A year-round- program
We have a great variety of options across this broad and evolving market. We’ve developed a year-round program for crunchy cos, traditional baby cos types for twin pack, and specialty offers for hospitality sector and more.
View our Complete Assortment
Browse our up-to-date assortment and use our various filter options to find the lettuce variety that fits your needs.
News
✨ New: improved product list & quick add to basket
From Wednesday 6 May: updated product list page and faster ordering
Responding to climate change impacts: robust spinach varieties are in the pipeline
Climate change is increasingly disrupting spinach production across Europe, with excessive rainfall leading to crop losses, yellowing leaves and even empty shelves in recent seasons. As growers also face global seed shortages caused by extreme spring weather, Rijk Zwaan is accelerating efforts to develop more robust spinach varieties that can perform reliably under unpredictable conditions. Through global trial fields hit by real‑world extreme weather, the breeding team has identified resilient genetic lines that will help secure spinach production for the future.
Floating Farms - The Rise of Hydroponics: Part 3
Lettuce has a fascinating history that stretches back to ancient Egypt, where it was first cultivated. From there, it spread through the Greek and Roman empires, evolving into various varieties and even gaining a reputation for medicinal properties. By the Middle Ages, lettuce had become a staple across Europe. Today, it remains one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide - an essential ingredient in healthy, fresh diets.