Lettuce Seeds - Little Gem

Little Gem Lettuce is a small, compact variety that produces tight, tender heads with a sweet, mild flavor. Known for its delicate texture and crisp leaves, this mini Romaine-style lettuce is perfect for small gardens or container planting. It thrives in cool weather, making it a great choice for both spring and fall planting. Little Gem Lettuce is ideal for salads, wraps, and garnishes, providing a fresh and crunchy addition to your meals.

Key Benefits

• Compact Size: Small, tight heads make it perfect for small spaces, containers, or raised beds.
• Crisp and Tender: Offers a sweet, mild flavor with a delicate, crunchy texture.
• Cold-Tolerant: Grows well in cooler weather, ideal for early spring and fall planting.
• Fast-Growing: Ready to harvest in just 50–55 days, allowing for a quick, efficient crop.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Great for fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as a garnish.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Forms small, tight heads with bright green leaves that are crisp and tender.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, and slightly nutty, with a refreshing crunch.
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright plants that are perfect for small gardens, containers, or raised beds.
• Size: Typically grows to about 6–8 inches in height, with heads around 4–6 inches in diameter.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
• Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures between 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C), making it ideal for spring and fall planting.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, either in seed trays or directly in the garden soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart in rows 10–12 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Little Gem Lettuce thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially during warmer months.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, providing about 1 inch of water per week.
• Water deeply to encourage strong root development and prevent bitterness in the leaves.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time to promote healthy growth.
• Fertilize again when the plants are about 4–6 inches tall to support continued development.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the plants, taking care not to disturb the shallow roots.
• Use mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to manage pests.
• Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and rotate crops annually.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Little Gem Lettuce is ready to harvest in 50–55 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: Harvest when the heads are fully formed but still tender, typically when they reach 6–8 inches in height.
• Method: Cut the entire head at the base, or harvest outer leaves for a continual crop.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or container for up to a week.
• Long-Term: Lettuce is best used fresh but can be frozen for longer storage. Freezing will affect its texture, so it is best used in cooked dishes.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Adds a sweet, mild crunch to fresh salads.
• Wraps and Sandwiches: Perfect for use in wraps, sandwiches, and burgers, providing a crisp texture.
• Garnishes: Use as a beautiful, edible garnish for a variety of dishes.
• Tacos and Burritos: Adds a fresh, crunchy element to tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Conclusion

Little Gem Lettuce is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a compact, fast-growing, and versatile lettuce variety. Its small, tight heads, crisp texture, and mild flavor make it perfect for fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Cold-tolerant and quick to mature, Little Gem Lettuce is ideal for both spring and fall planting, and its small size makes it perfect for containers and small garden spaces. Whether used as a garnish or the main ingredient in your meals, Little Gem Lettuce offers delicious, fresh flavor all season long.