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. Tennis Ball, the parent of our modern Boston race of lettuces so popular today, 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. Sow seeds early in the spring, as soon as the ground can be worked, in rich, well-prepared soil and thin seedlings to six inches apart. Tennis Ball is also suitable for fall crops that may be planted in late summer. 55 days to maturity.

Approximately 100-150 seeds per pack.

Line Drawing from The Vegetable Garden by M.M. Vilmorin-Andrieux (1885).