🌱 Lettuce 'Little Gem'

Sowing window (UK)	March to August
Minimum soil temperature	5°C at seed depth
Spacing	30 cm apart
Days to germination	7 days
Days to harvest	84 days
Sowing method	Start under cover, transplant out
Frost hardy	Yes
Sun	partial-shade
Watering	moderate
Plant family	Asteraceae

When should I sow Lettuce 'Little Gem' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Lettuce 'Little Gem' from March to August. It is normally started under cover and transplanted. Wait until the soil has reached 5°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - lettuce will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Lettuce 'Little Gem' need to germinate?

Lettuce 'Little Gem' needs a minimum soil temperature of 5°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Lettuce 'Little Gem'?

For Lettuce 'Little Gem', space plants 30cm apart.

How long does Lettuce 'Little Gem' take to grow?

Lettuce 'Little Gem' takes roughly 84 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 7 days.

Is Lettuce 'Little Gem' frost hardy?

Yes. Lettuce 'Little Gem' is frost hardy and will stand through UK frosts, so it can be left out over winter in most of the country.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.