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
Rijk Zwaan launches iceberg lettuce varieties with new aphid resistance
Rijk Zwaan has introduced the first two iceberg lettuce varieties – Happinas RZ and Friendlinas RZ – with a high resistance against biotypes 0 and 1 of the extremely troublesome blackcurrant-lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Nr:0,1). This innovation by the Dutch fruit and vegetable breeding company is a very significant development for lettuce growers and their customers, especially in Europe.
Floating Farms - The Rise of Hydroponics: Part 1
Hydroponics, a soilless farming method with ancient roots, has evolved with modern technology to enable faster, higher-yielding crops. This article covers the different hydroponic systems in the UK, ideal lettuce varieties, and the challenges of this farming technique. It also highlights the growing potential of hydroponics in sustainable agriculture and urban farming.
Denomination of new official downy mildew races in lettuce
On 1 July, the European committee of the International Bremia Evaluation Board (IBEB-EU) published three widely occurring new variants of downy mildew in lettuce: Bl:38EU, Bl:39EU and Bl:40EU. A considerable number of vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan’s current lettuce varieties are resistant to these three new races.