Lettuce Little Gem Seeds

Lactuca sativa is a popular, compact, and sweet-flavoured variety known for its crisp texture and miniature size.

 

The genus Lactuca comes from the Latin lac, meaning "milk," due to the milky sap produced when the plant is cut, while sativa refers to its cultivated nature.

 

Little Gem is a small, tightly formed head lettuce that combines the best qualities of both cos and butterhead varieties, offering a crunchy bite with a sweet, mild flavour. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for small gardens, containers, and raised beds.

 

Growing to a height of 20-25 cm, Lettuce Little Gem forms dense, crisp hearts with vibrant green outer leaves and pale, tender inner leaves. This variety is perfect for quick, fresh harvests, making it a great option for gardeners seeking a steady supply of lettuce throughout the season.

 

Whether used in salads, wraps, or as a garnish, its small, yet full-flavoured heads make it a favourite in many kitchens.

 

Seed Qty: 1100

 

Sow: March - August (outdoors) or January - March (indoors)

Germination: 7 - 14 days

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil, neutral to slightly alkaline pH

Height: 20 - 25 cm

Harvesting: 8 - 10 weeks after sowing

Companion Plants: Radishes, carrots, onions

Avoid Planting With: Cabbages, broccoli

Sowing Instructions

 

Sow seeds outdoors from March to August in well-prepared, moist, well-drained soil. Plant seeds 1 cm deep and space them about 20 cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to around 20-25 cm apart to allow the heads to form fully.

 

For an earlier harvest, sow indoors from January to March. Use trays or pots filled with moist, well-drained compost, keeping at a temperature of 15-18°C. Once seedlings are large enough, transplant them outdoors after the last frost, ensuring they are spaced 20-25 cm apart.

 

Lettuce Little Gem thrives in full sun or partial shade and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but well-drained. Its compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or containers. For optimal growth, a balanced fertiliser will encourage vigorous, healthy plants, and consistent watering is key to ensuring a tender and crisp harvest.

 

This versatile, easy-to-grow lettuce is perfect for gardeners seeking a compact, fast-growing variety that yields delicious, crisp heads of lettuce. Lettuce Little Gem’s sweet, crunchy texture and small size make it a standout choice for fresh salads and meals all season long.

 

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