Description
| Seeds | 1 gram (1,000 seeds) $3.50 |
|---|
Little Gem
Heritage: France
Originally from France, this variety became a culinary gem in Europe, and particularly England, over the past 50 years. It is believed that it did not arrive in North America until the early 2000’s.
Highly prized for its ability to flourish in tight spaces, this is a “little gem” of a lettuce growing up to 6” (15cm) tall and 4” (10cm) in diameter. It is a combination of a Butterhead and Romaine type lettuce, producing leaves described as brittle to the touch and sweet to the taste. We found the bright green leaves to be compact, but loose at the same time, not as tightly packed as some Little Gem’s we’ve seen. Maybe it was the crazy summer weather this year, but ours were closer to a Butterhead type with a nice fresh taste. Good heat tolerance. Perfect for planting in hanging baskets or veranda pots. Well-suited for limited space gardens. Matures in 65-75 days. (1,000 seeds/gram)
Tips for Growing Luscious Lettuce! Lettuce is a cool weather crop, enjoying full sun until the weather heats up, then it will require some shade in the afternoon. We have the best results direct seeding as soon as the ground warms in early spring. Sprinkle seed sparingly on top of the earth. Cover with a very light sprinkling of lose soil. Gently tamp/press soil down so that the seeds are in contact with the earth. Lightly water, thinning to 6” (15cm) apart. For the most flavourful, sweet and crisp lettuce, be sure to harvest early in the morning. The best companion plants for Lettuce are; onions, radishes, carrots, strawberries, and cucumbers. Lettuce usually germinates within 3-10 days (60-70ºF/16-21ºC). Be aware, if temperatures exceed 80ºF/27ºC, seed may fail to germinate at all!
