Tom Thumb

Pea

55d to harvest

Sweet, garden-fresh peas in miniature—Tom Thumb delivers a vivid burst of flavor with tender, juicy pods and plump, sweet kernels that shine at harvest. The plants form compact, sturdy growth for reliable yields, producing shelling peas with a delicate bite and smooth, succulent texture. Ideal for fresh shelling and for bright, simple preparations that let their natural sweetness lead.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 15th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Sep 24th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Lactuca sativa (Tom Thumb) during active growth to keep it from bolting or getting bitter?

During the main growing phase, keep the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week depending on your weather. In hot spells, check daily and water small amounts more frequently so plants don’t dry out between waterings, which can trigger bitterness and bolting. Mulch lightly to moderate moisture swings, and avoid soaking the leaves to limit fungal problems.

How can I tell when Tom Thumb lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm and reach their mature size, about 55 days from sowing (often earlier for cut-and-come-again if you prefer smaller leaves). Look for crisp, well-formed rosettes with fully colored leaves, and avoid waiting until plants elongate or center growth gets tall—those are early bolting signs. Cut outer leaves for gradual harvest, or harvest the whole plant if it’s tightly formed.