Little Gem lettuce, a compact Romaine variety, offers crisp texture and sweet flavor. Its small, upright heads are ideal for home gardeners, especially those with limited space or who prefer single-serving portions. Known for its ease of cultivation and prolonged harvest, it’s a rewarding garden addition. Growing Little Gem lettuce from seed to harvest involves distinct stages, each with specific requirements.
From Seed to Emergence
Seed planting is the initial stage for Little Gem lettuce. Seeds germinate best in cool soil (60-75°F), though they can sprout as low as 40°F. Temperatures above 75°F can hinder germination, making early spring or late summer ideal planting times. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep into well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or aged manure.
Consistent moisture is important; soil should be moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Seeds are typically sown 1 inch apart if direct-sowing, with emergence usually within 4-10 days. The first leaves to appear are cotyledons, embryonic leaves that provide initial nourishment before true leaves develop.
Seedling Development
After cotyledons emerge, the seedling develops its first true leaves. These true leaves, distinct from cotyledons, exhibit the characteristic shape of mature lettuce and signal the plant’s transition to photosynthesis. Adequate light is important; young plants prefer full sun but can benefit from partial shade in hotter climates. Water gently to avoid disturbing delicate seedlings, ensuring consistently moist soil.
Thinning is important, removing weaker seedlings to provide space for stronger ones. This ensures proper air circulation, reduces fungal diseases, and allows remaining plants access to sufficient nutrients and sunlight. Seedlings are typically thinned to 6-12 inches apart, depending on desired head size, usually when they have 2-3 sets of true leaves (about 1-2 weeks after germination).
Forming the Head
After the seedling stage, Little Gem lettuce plants develop their characteristic compact, upright heads. This primary growth phase focuses the plant’s energy on forming the dense, crisp rosette. Consistent moisture is important during head formation; uneven watering can lead to tip burn, where leaf margins brown.
Plants thrive in full sun, though afternoon shade in warmer weather can prevent stress and encourage robust growth. Light fertilization with a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks supports vigorous development, especially in less fertile soils. As the head develops, it becomes more substantial and tightly packed, typically reaching 4-6 inches tall and across. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, aiding healthy head development.
Harvesting and Beyond
Little Gem lettuce is ready for harvest when heads are firm and well-formed, typically 30-50 days from planting. Visual cues include a compact, upright structure and a size of 4-6 inches tall. Two primary harvesting methods exist: cutting the entire head at the soil line for a single harvest, or using a “cut-and-come-again” approach. The cut-and-come-again method involves harvesting only the outer leaves, allowing inner leaves to continue growing for subsequent harvests, extending yield from a single plant.
If left in the ground too long, especially as temperatures rise, Little Gem lettuce is prone to “bolting.” Bolting is the plant’s natural response to stress (heat and long days), where it prematurely sends up a flower stalk to produce seeds. This diverts energy from leaf production, causing leaves to become bitter and less palatable. To prevent or delay bolting, plant in early spring or late summer, ensure consistent watering, and provide shade during hot periods. Once a plant bolts, bitterness cannot be reversed; harvest any remaining usable leaves promptly.