Little Gem

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Crisp as a fresh snowfall, Little Gem forms tight, upright heads with a jewel-bright green heart and a tender, buttery bite.

The leaves stay pleasantly sweet and fine-textured from first harvest through the heartiest cool-season days, making each cluster feel exceptionally clean and refined. Grow Little Gem for elegant salads and vibrant garnishes, or for quick braises and savory sautés where its delicate romaine texture shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Little Gem’s tight, jewel-bright heart keeps its structure—so it stays crisp under a properly sharp dressing and doesn’t turn flabby. If you braise it, do it fast in fat with a splash of acid; it melts into a silky romaine bite instead of getting soggy.

Best Uses

ice-cold wedge salads with a sharp vinaigrette that clings to the tender ribs
small, elegant whole-leaf bowls—dress at the last second so the heart stays snappy
quick sauté or shallow braise in butter/olive oil to soften without going watery
hot sandwich topper where it adds crisp contrast without wilting quickly

Flavor Profile

sweet, cool-lettuce brightness buttery, tender crunch fine-textured romaine bite clean, lightly herbal finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette Parmesan buttermilk ranch anchovy soft-boiled egg bacon or prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Little Gem), and how can I manage it?

A common problem is lettuce aphids, which cluster on tender new leaves and leave sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold. Rinse plants with a strong spray of water to knock aphids off, then apply insecticidal soap directly on the undersides every 4–7 days as needed. If you see gray-white down on leaves or sudden collapse in cool, damp weather, improve airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce downy mildew risk.

How often should I water Little Gem lettuce during the main growing phase?

During the 45–55 day growing period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Aim for damp (not soggy) soil at root depth; water when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry to prevent bitterness and tipburn. Use morning watering so leaves dry quickly, since staying wet overnight encourages lettuce diseases.

How do I know when Little Gem is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm, tight, and reach roughly the stated size for the variety (often around 5–7 inches across) and the outside leaves feel crisp rather than flexible. Count forward to about 55 days from sowing/transplanting and check head firmness—lettuce that’s loose or still forming won’t keep quality as well. Cut at the base in the morning for the best texture, and don’t wait for overmaturity because heat-triggered bolting can ruin flavor.