SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Little Gem Darky

Lettuce
Zone 1a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Little Gem Darky to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Little Gem Darky
55d to harvest

Sweet, crisp hearts emerge in compact rosettes—Little Gem Darky brings a velvety, deep-green beauty with a tender crunch that feels almost luminous. Leaves are richly colored and finely textured, forming a mini romaine head that stays pleasantly snappy as it matures in cool weather. Ideal for fresh salads and garnishes, it also shines in quick tosses and bright, leaf-forward bowls where its compact stature and clean flavor are the star.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 55-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 15th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity55
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Little Gem Darky in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Little Gem Darky.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 55-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Lactuca sativa (Little Gem) leaves developing sticky patches and dark mold, and what should I do?
Sticky residue with black sooty mold on Little Gem lettuce is often caused by aphids. Check the undersides of leaves and hose aphids off with a strong water jet, then release/plant beneficials if available or spray with insecticidal soap in the evening (follow label rates). Remove heavily infested outer leaves to break the cycle and improve airflow so mold doesn’t keep spreading.
How can I tell when my Lactuca sativa (Little Gem) is ready to harvest?
Little Gem lettuce is usually ready about 55 days after sowing and should feel firm, compact, and “tight-headed” when you gently squeeze it. Harvest when the head is fully formed but before it starts to stretch upward or flower, which signals bolting and a bitter taste. Cut the head at the base in the morning for the crispest leaves.
Botanical illustration of Little Gem Darky

Sweet, crisp hearts emerge in compact rosettes—Little Gem Darky brings a velvety, deep-green beauty with a tender crunch that feels almost luminous. Leaves are richly colored and finely textured, forming a mini romaine head that stays pleasantly snappy as it matures in cool weather. Ideal for fresh salads and garnishes, it also shines in quick tosses and bright, leaf-forward bowls where its compact stature and clean flavor are the star.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Little Gem Darky in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Little Gem Darky.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 55-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best crunch and sweetness, keep soil consistently moist and avoid heat spikes by transplanting while nights are still cool.