fruit vegetable

Little Gem Lettuce

Lactuca sativa 'Little Gem'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

8 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact variety of lettuce that is suitable for smaller gardens and containers, known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor. Little Gem is prized for its small size and fast growth, making it ideal for successive planting and small spaces.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Lactuca sativa 'Little Gem' adds a lush, green touch to vegetable gardens and borders, offering both aesthetic appeal and edible leaves.

Provides fresh, nutritious greens for salads and cooking, encouraging healthy eating habits.

Supports pollinators like bees when flowering and promotes sustainable gardening practices.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and root in 2-3 weeks.
Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart for good air circulation.
Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist during growing season.
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for healthy growth.
Harvest leaves when young and tender, about 30-40 days after planting.

Pro Tip

Use loose, well-draining soil and keep soil consistently moist for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Provide full sun for optimal growth
Harvest leaves frequently to encourage new growth
Mulch around plants to retain moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t plant in overly shaded areas
Refrain from using high nitrogen fertilizers that may promote excessive leaf growth
Avoid letting soil dry out completely

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible herb border with fragrant leavesVegetable garden centerpieceSunny herbaceous border

Companion Plants

Carrots Radishes Cucumbers Beets Marigolds

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Gem Lettuce questions

What zones can Little Gem Lettuce grow in?

Little Gem Lettuce is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Little Gem Lettuce deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Little Gem Lettuce, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Little Gem Lettuce bloom?

Little Gem Lettuce typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Gem Lettuce need full sun?

Little Gem Lettuce does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.