Little Gem

Lettuce

55d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 13th
Last Frost	Apr 10th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 10th
Harvest Begins	Jun 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 28th

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

Recommended Companions

French Breakfast 3 Radish

Frequently Asked Questions

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.