Guide to Growing Lettuce Little Gem from Seed

Embrace the quick and delicious rewards of Lettuce Little Gem! This baby cos variety produces compact, firm hearts bursting with sweet flavour in just a few weeks. Thriving in UK gardens, Little Gem offers effortless cultivation and continuous harvests, making it ideal for busy gardeners and small spaces.

Planting Instructions:

• Sowing:
  • Spring: Direct sow outdoors from March to July.
  • Autumn: For late summer/autumn harvests, sow outdoors from August to September.
  • Successive sowings: Sow every few weeks for continuous enjoyment.
• Seed depth: Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 15cm between plants and 25cm between rows.

Growing Needs:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
• Feeding: Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser every few weeks (optional).

Harvesting:

• Ready: When heads are firm and feel slightly heavy, usually 5-6 weeks after sowing.
• Method: Cut the head at the base, leaving a few outer leaves attached.
• Storing: Freshly harvested Little Gem lettuce stores in the fridge for up to a week.

Bonus Tips:

• Succession sowing: Extend your harvest by sowing new seeds every few weeks throughout the growing season.
• Container gardening: Little Gem thrives in pots, ideal for balconies, patios, or small gardens.
• Early protection: Cover young seedlings with netting to deter pests.
• Harvesting for smaller leaves: Harvest individual leaves as needed for a continuous supply.

Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of homegrown Little Gem Lettuce!