SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Red Little Gem

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable
Zone 8a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Red Little Gem to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Crisp as a fresh-picked jewel, Red Little Gem forms compact mini romaine heads with tender, ruby-tinged leaves that deepen to a rich garnet at the outer edges.

The flavor is pleasantly sweet and clean, with a gentle romaine snap—ideal for gardeners who want a quick, satisfying harvest from cool-season planting. Grow for refreshing salads and vibrant garnishes, or for quick wilted greens and silky sauces where its color stays lively and inviting.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Red Little Gem

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Crop Dates : 8a

Growing note: This crop establishes over multiple seasons (~55 days / ~1 year to first harvest). Plant on the frost schedule; first harvest follows establishment, not a single frost-free season.
MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 4th
Last FrostApr 1st
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMar 25th
Harvest BeginsMay 19th
Harvest EndsNov 5th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity55
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Little Gem is built for that first bite: crisp, sweet, and just lightly bitter at the edges, so it won’t collapse under a tangy dressing. Use it raw for maximum snap or wilting-short in butter so it turns silky without going dull or gray.

Best Uses

  • torn-leaf salads that hold dressing without turning soggy
  • mini romaine cups for tuna/chicken salad—crunch stays through serving
  • quick sauté or wilt in butter/garlic where the garnet color stays bright
  • cold garnish for grain bowls and sandwiches

Flavor Profile

sweet, clean leaf flavor gentle romaine snap tender ruby-tinged bitterness at the outer edge

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette balsamic vinegar Parmesan goat cheese bacon or prosciutto chickpeas

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common with Lactuca sativa (Little Gem type) and how do I treat it?
A frequent problem is downy mildew (often shows as yellow patches on leaf tops with gray/purple growth underneath). Improve airflow by spacing heads and watering only at the soil line, then remove badly affected plants to slow spread; consider a labeled fungicide for lettuce downy mildew if symptoms are spreading quickly.
How often should I water Lactuca sativa during its main growing phase (about weeks 2–6)?
Keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for damp, not soggy—especially once seedlings establish and heads start forming. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week (more in hot part-sun), checking that the top 1–2 inches of soil stay moist; reduce watering if leaves start to look limp and the soil stays wet.
How can I tell when my Lactuca sativa (Red Little Gem) is ready to harvest?
Harvest at maturity around 55 days, when the head feels firm and the outer leaves are fully sized and crisp. Start harvesting when heads resist gentle squeeze (not loose or easily compressible), cutting at the base in the morning for best texture.

Garden Alerts

This crop establishes over multiple seasons (~55 days / ~1 year to first harvest). Plant on the frost schedule; first harvest follows establishment, not a single frost-free season.

Garden Alerts

This crop establishes over multiple seasons (~55 days / ~1 year to first harvest). Plant on the frost schedule; first harvest follows establishment, not a single frost-free season.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

For the sweetest flavor and tight mini heads, keep plants consistently cool and water steadily—avoid letting lettuce dry out between transplants.