Description

The Perfect Miniature Elegance and Flavour in Every Head

Little Gem is a miniature romaine that proves small can be spectacular. Each compact head grows just 4-6 inches tall, tightly formed and beautifully symmetrical, with crisp outer leaves and a pale, sweet, extra-crunchy heart. The flavour is mild, clean, and gently sweet, refined enough for special plates, easy enough for everyday salads.

Originally bred in England as a compact romaine suited to cool, damp conditions, Little Gem has become a favourite wherever gardeners want maximum quality in minimal space. In Canadian gardens, it’s a standout for raised beds, containers, and intensive plantings. It is also perfectly portioned for serving whole or halved.

Why Grow Little Gem?

• Perfect mini heads: 4-6 inches tall, tight and beautifully formed
• Crisp, sweet heart: Pale inner leaves with exceptional crunch
• Space-efficient: Plant 6-8 inches apart for high yields in small beds
• Quick to harvest: Ready in 50-60 days from transplant
• Excellent holding quality: Stores well after harvest (often a week plus refrigerated)
• Versatile in the kitchen: Ideal for whole-head salads, Caesar, grilling, and roasting
• Relatively slow to bolt: Longer harvest window than many lettuces

Growing Instructions

Days to Maturity: 50-60 days from transplant (add 4-6 weeks for seed starting)

When to Plant:

• Start 4-6 weeks before the last frost indoors, or
• Direct sow 2-3 weeks before the last frost
• Succession sowing for continuous harvest

Sowing: Lettuce seeds need light to germinate. Sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix (or barely cover). Keep evenly moist. Germination is typically 5-10 days.

Transplant/Spacing: Harden off seedlings before planting out. Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade. Afternoon shade helps in warm weather.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil amended with compost.

Water: Keep moisture consistent for tight, crisp heads. Mulch helps keep soil cool and evenly moist.

Feeding: Light to moderate feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks, or a slow-release fertilizer at planting.

Harvest: Cut whole heads at soil level when firm and well-formed. If you leave the base intact, plants may produce a smaller second head from side shoots.

Culinary Notes

Little Gem is an elegant lettuce with a romaine crunch made for beautiful presentations.

• Whole or halved salads: Serve as individual portions and drizzle with dressing
• Caesar: Crisp texture holds up to bold, creamy dressing
• Grilled or roasted: Halve lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and char or roast for a sweet, slightly smoky edge
• Sandwiches & wraps: Adds clean crunch without bitterness
• Composed salads: A perfect base for toppings (cheese, nuts, fruit, roasted veg)

Canadian Climate Notes

Little Gem thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for Canadian spring and fall gardens.

• Spring: Start early for late-spring harvests
• Summer: More tolerant than many lettuces, but provide afternoon shade in the heat.
• Fall: Late-summer sowings often produce the sweetest, crispest heads
• In milder regions, it can grow well into fall (and longer with protection)

Hardiness Zones

3 to 11 (grown as a cool-season annual; prefers temperatures below 24)