(Lactuca sativa) Alright. These are so cute it's ridiculous. Like kittens and puppies play-wrestling together… on the beach… with baby seals rubbing noses in the background. It is one of the few lettuces that seems to have become “branded” and referenced by name on menus at fancy restaurants. A mini, single-serve romaine, it stands about 6-8” inches tall with a tight structure, dense heart, and great crunch. Often presented simply cut in half and dressed as a side salad. Plant denser than full sized lettuces, it doesn’t need much space.
45-50 days. UO

Packet: 1g (~800 seeds)

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost. Seeds germinate best below 70F.

Transplant out 3-4 week-old plants.

Direct seed after last frost.

Sow every 3 weeks until 6 weeks before first Fall frost date for constant lettuce.

Note: Seeds will become dormant if exposed to high temperatures. Lettuce grows best in cooler weather.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8"

SPACING:

10-12" in rows 12-15" apart.

EMERGENCE:

5-7 days @ soil temp 68F and lower.

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Medium. Prefers well-drained, with balanced fertility and evenly moist soil. Lettuce is sensitive to low pH.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Uneven watering can result in tip burn, the browning of the leaf margins, which is caused by the plant's inability to move calcium to the growing edge fast enough to meet its growth needs. If this seems to be a problem, consistent, evenly moist soil or calcium amendments can be beneficial.

Hot weather can cause premature bolting. Generally, when the plants begin to stretch upwards (to flower), the leaves become bitter, and the eating quality is poor.

Lettuce, 'Little Gem'