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
Mar 18
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