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Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce Seeds

Lactuca sativa

5.00 (2 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Lettuce grows well in cool weather, so the first crop of Little Gem romaine lettuce seeds can be direct sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 35 degrees F, or as soon as the soil can be worked. If the soil temperature rises above 75 degrees F, the seeds become dormant. Direct sow the seed in rich soil and full sun, spreading them as thinly as possible in rows 1-2' apart; when the seedlings begin to grow, thin them to a distance of 8-12". Succession crops can be grown for fresh lettuce all season in areas with cool summers or warm winters; this is accomplished by planting a new crop every 2 weeks. For companion planting benefits, grow lettuce with onions, cucumbers, or carrots.

Growing: Since lettuce has very shallow roots, it needs adequate moisture in order to stay tender and sweet; keep the soil evenly moist. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds.

Harvesting: Lettuce retains its crisp sweetness best when harvested in the morning. For microgreens, cut the entire plant above the surface of the soil as soon as it reaches a height of 2-3". Outer leaves of the plant can be gathered all season until the main stem of the plant starts to grow, at which time the leaves will grow bitter. To harvest the entire plant when mature, cut it just above the surface of the soil; lettuce tastes best when fresh, but keeps in the refrigerator for about a week.

Seed Saving: As the days of summer begin to lengthen, the lettuce will bolt, or send up a stalk. To avoid selecting negative traits, gather seed from the plants that are slow to bolt. After the stalk flowers and produces pods, the pods will turn light brown and split open; in order to prevent seed loss, shake the head of the stalk into a bag every day. Alternatively, some seed savers remove the entire plant when most of the pods are ready for harvest, and hang it upside down to dry in a protected location. Shake the seeds from the pods or crush the pods in your hands. The seed will have white "feathers" on them that can be removed by rubbing the seed on a fine mesh screen. Store the Little Gem romaine lettuce seeds in a cool, dry place for 2-3 years.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Lactuca sativa

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 20,000

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 6 Inches

Color: Green

Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce Seeds 5.0
Review By Yagar

Packaging

Packaging say it all. Seeds come in a package that will keep the seeds far better than moat other companies.

Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce Seeds 5.0
Review By Sandra D

First time buyer... can't wait to plant

I haven't grown these yet but a You Tube Influencer speaks highly of this companies seeds. Her garden looks lovely. I can't wait to plant them soon. The packaging is very nice. I had one package out of many that the seal broke and they responded quickly and sent me a new package to put the seeds in. The seeds look nice and viable

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~1,000 Seeds) $2.98 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~20,000 Seeds) $5.96 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $9.60 $8.89 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $19.20 $18.00 -+
5 Lb Mylar (2.27kg) $86.40 $81.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $153.60 $144.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $364.80 $342.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $691.20 $648.00 -+
100 Lb Bulk Bag (45.4kg) $1,344.00 $1,260.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This heirloom butterhead is like a miniature romaine lettuce and grows no more than 8" tall. Because it is small, it is one of the earliest to mature, and we think it is one of the best tasting. It is also heat tolerant and ready for your table in only 50 days.
In Europe, this well known variety of lettuce has the name 'Sucrine,' meaning sugar, because of its sweetness. Little Gem has received numerous awards and comes highly recommended by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Lettuce grows well in cool weather, so the first crop of Little Gem romaine lettuce seeds can be direct sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 35 degrees F, or as soon as the soil can be worked. If the soil temperature rises above 75 degrees F, the seeds become dormant. Direct sow the seed in rich soil and full sun, spreading them as thinly as possible in rows 1-2' apart; when the seedlings begin to grow, thin them to a distance of 8-12". Succession crops can be grown for fresh lettuce all season in areas with cool summers or warm winters; this is accomplished by planting a new crop every 2 weeks. For companion planting benefits, grow lettuce with onions, cucumbers, or carrots.

Growing: Since lettuce has very shallow roots, it needs adequate moisture in order to stay tender and sweet; keep the soil evenly moist. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds.

Harvesting: Lettuce retains its crisp sweetness best when harvested in the morning. For microgreens, cut the entire plant above the surface of the soil as soon as it reaches a height of 2-3". Outer leaves of the plant can be gathered all season until the main stem of the plant starts to grow, at which time the leaves will grow bitter. To harvest the entire plant when mature, cut it just above the surface of the soil; lettuce tastes best when fresh, but keeps in the refrigerator for about a week.

Seed Saving: As the days of summer begin to lengthen, the lettuce will bolt, or send up a stalk. To avoid selecting negative traits, gather seed from the plants that are slow to bolt. After the stalk flowers and produces pods, the pods will turn light brown and split open; in order to prevent seed loss, shake the head of the stalk into a bag every day. Alternatively, some seed savers remove the entire plant when most of the pods are ready for harvest, and hang it upside down to dry in a protected location. Shake the seeds from the pods or crush the pods in your hands. The seed will have white "feathers" on them that can be removed by rubbing the seed on a fine mesh screen. Store the Little Gem romaine lettuce seeds in a cool, dry place for 2-3 years.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Lactuca sativa

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 20,000

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 6 Inches

Color: Green

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 2 reviews
5.0

Review By Yagar

Packaging

Packaging say it all. Seeds come in a package that will keep the seeds far better than moat other companies.

5.0

Review By Sandra D

First time buyer... can't wait to plant

I haven't grown these yet but a You Tube Influencer speaks highly of this companies seeds. Her garden looks lovely. I can't wait to plant them soon. The packaging is very nice. I had one package out of many that the seal broke and they responded quickly and sent me a new package to put the seeds in. The seeds look nice and viable