Little Leprechaun

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as fresh-cut glass, Little Leprechaun forms compact mini romaine hearts with a cool, sweet snap and a gentle, buttery finish.

The leaves are tender and upright, holding their shape beautifully for salads and quick tosses—ideal for gardeners who want big flavor in a small footprint. At about 50 days to maturity, it’s a reliable, charming choice for repeat harvests and patio-friendly growing.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Little Leprechaun

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Little Leprechaun tastes like a cool drink for your mouth—sweet, crisp, and tender enough to handle a quick toss without collapsing. Use it anywhere you need romaine-like structure: it holds its shape, stays snappy, and the gentle buttery finish plays nicely with sharp acids and salty cheeses.

Best Uses

mini romaine–style salad bowls where leaves stay crisp in the toss
quick toss salads with vinaigrettes that coat rather than drown
toppings for tacos and sandwiches where you want crunch without wilting
sturdy lettuce cups for chilled fillings

Flavor Profile

cool, sweet snap tender, upright crunch mildly buttery finish clean, lightly grassy lettuce bite

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette Parmesan balsamic glaze chickpeas grilled chicken goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue is most common on Lactuca sativa, and how do I treat it?

On lettuce (Lactuca sativa), aphids and fungal leaf spots are common, especially in warm, humid weather and when plants stay wet. Spray aphids off with a strong water jet, then use insecticidal soap if needed; remove and discard leaves with spotted, spreading lesions and improve airflow between plants. Avoid wetting the foliage during evening watering and water at the base to reduce leaf-spot spread.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during peak growth to keep it from bolting?

During the main growth phase (roughly weeks 3–6 for most heads/lettuce types), keep the soil consistently evenly moist, not soggy. Water about 1–2 times per week to soak the root zone, then adjust based on heat—target the top 1 inch of soil staying moist. If the soil dries out repeatedly, Lactuca sativa can stress and bolt; mulching helps stabilize moisture.

How can I tell when Lactuca sativa ‘Little Leprechaun’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 50 days from sowing when the rosettes are firm and well-filled, with leaves that hold together when gently squeezed. For best texture, pick in the morning before heat triggers faster growth and bitterness. If leaves start elongating rapidly or the center forms too quickly, harvest immediately to avoid a tougher, more bitter result.