Lactuca sativa 'Little Gem'
vegetableA miniature romaine-butterhead cross producing compact 4 to 6-inch heads of upright, sweet, crisp leaves. One of the most flavorful and space-efficient lettuces for home gardens. Popular in restaurant cooking as an individual serving size. Excellent in containers and small raised beds. Heat-tolerant enough for short summer windows.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~50 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
6-8 in
Planting Depth
1/8 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, moist
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting; light nitrogen side-dress when heads begin to form
Fertilizer
Balanced granular fertilizer at low rate; compost-amended soil preferred
Direct sow 4 to 6 weeks before last frost or start as transplants. Space 6 to 8 inches for individual heads, closer than standard lettuces because of the small head size. Grows well in partial shade in warm weather. Little Gem takes 50 to 60 days to a tight head. Succession-plant every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. One of the best choices for container growing.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 25
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
May 21
fall planting
Direct sow
Aug 18
Projected first harvest
Oct 7
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Inspect inner head closely; water blast; insecticidal soap; plant nearby alliums
Diatomaceous earth; beer traps; copper tape on raised bed edges
Ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering; space for airflow at plant base
Collar transplants at soil level; beneficial nematodes in soil
Harvest whole heads when compact and 4 to 6 inches tall. Inner leaves are the most tender and sweet. For partial harvest, remove outer leaves from several plants rather than fully harvesting one. Cut at the base with a sharp knife. Refrigerate and use within 1 week. Little Gem holds well on the plant slightly longer than other lettuces.
Excellent source of vitamins A and K, folate, and manganese. Dense head structure concentrates nutrients more than loose-leaf types. Very low in calories with high water content for hydration.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting