Vegetables · Step-by-step guide
How to Grow Little Gem Romaine Lettuce Seeds
Small Heads. Big Flavor. Crisp Every Harvest.
Little Gem Romaine is a compact heirloom lettuce that combines the crisp texture of romaine with the sweetness of butterhead lettuce. Its small size, crunchy hearts, and excellent heat tolerance make it ideal for home gardens, containers, and raised beds.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Germination
- 5–10 days
- Time to harvest
- 45–60 days
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade (5–6 hours of sunlight daily). Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Water
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during warm weather.
- Soil
- Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Ideal soil pH is 6.0–7.0.
- Spacing
- 20–25 cm between plants and 25–30 cm between rows.
- Temperature
- Prefers cool temperatures between 15–24°C. Growth slows and bolting may occur in prolonged heat.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Prepare the Growing Medium
Prepare a fertile, well-draining growing medium using quality potting soil or peat moss mixed with compost and perlite. The growing medium should retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away to encourage healthy root development.
- 2
Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds about 0.3–0.5 cm deep, placing 1–2 seeds in each cell or pot. Cover lightly with growing medium and water gently. Keep the growing medium consistently moist until the seeds germinate, usually within 5–10 days.
- 3
Transplant the Seedlings
When seedlings develop 3–4 true leaves and a healthy root system, transplant them into the garden or containers. Space plants 20–25 cm apart to provide enough room for compact heads to develop.
- 4
Water & Feed
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season without allowing it to become waterlogged. Apply a balanced fertilizer or diluted liquid organic fertilizer every 10–14 days to encourage healthy leaf growth.
- 5
Care for the Plants
Provide at least 5–6 hours of sunlight each day, preferably with some afternoon shade in hot weather. Inspect plants regularly for pests and diseases, remove damaged leaves, and maintain good airflow around the plants.
- 6
Harvest
Harvest individual outer leaves as needed, or cut the entire head at the base when it reaches full size, about 45–60 days after sowing. Harvest in the early morning for the freshest, crispiest leaves.
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