Description

Little Gem Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a compact, mini cos-type lettuce prized for its crisp texture, sweet flavour, and dense, upright heads. Often described as a cross between butterhead and romaine, this variety grows to just 10–20 cm tall, making it perfect for small gardens, containers, and intensive planting systems. The tight hearts form quickly and are ready to harvest in as little as 65-70 days, providing a fast and reliable crop for home growers and urban farmers.

Adapted to South African growing conditions, Little Gem thrives in the cooler seasons of autumn, winter, and early spring, but can also tolerate warmer periods if provided with adequate water and partial shade. Its compact habit, disease resistance, and outstanding flavour make it a favourite among both novice and experienced gardeners.

 

Benefits

Cost Effective

• Seeds are inexpensive, and one plant yields a full head, offering high return for minimal investment.

Low Maintenance

• Minimal pest/disease issues with proper care; companion planting (e.g., with onions) enhances resilience.

Culinary Versatility

• Popular in South African cuisine for fresh salads, braais (BBQ sides), and gourmet dishes.
• Crisp, sweet flavour appeals to a broad palate—great for restaurants and home cooks.
  
• Works well with local ingredients like avo, biltong, feta, and citrus dressings.

Insect Repellant and Pollinator

• Not known for strong insect repellency.
  
• If allowed to bolt, flowers can attract pollinators and beneficial insects, aiding in garden biodiversity.
  

Nutritional Benefits

• High in vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and dietary fibre.
  
• Rich in antioxidants and supports skin, eye, and bone health.
  
• Naturally low in calories – a smart choice for weight-conscious diets.
  

Commercial Potential

• Increasing demand in farmers’ markets, restaurants, and health-conscious consumers.
• High market value due to its gourmet image and year-round availability under tunnel farming.
• Crisp, sweet flavour appeals to a broad palate—great for restaurants and home cooks.
  

Great For Sustainable Farming

• Works well in organic gardens as a companion plant.
• When paired with pest-repelling plants (like garlic or marigolds), it fits into sustainable farming practices growing in popularity in SA.

How To Use

Lettuce Little Gem flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Year Round
• Temperature: 15-20°C
• Germinate: 7-14 days
• Depth: 2 mm
• Spacing: 15x15 cm
• Harvest: 65-70 days
• Height: 10-20 cm
• Flowering Season: Late Spring/Summer
• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment

• Light, fertile, well-drained soils enriched with compost. pH 6.0–7.0.
• Keep consistently moist – do not allow to dry out, but avoid waterlogging.
• Apply a balanced organic fertiliser every 2–3 weeks for optimal leaf development.
• Temperatures between 15–20°C during the day; tolerates light frost down to-2°C but struggles above 27°C, which can cause bolting or bitterness.
• Thrives in moderate humidity (50–70%); ensure airflow to avoid fungal diseases.
• Shield from strong winds and heavy rain; use row covers for pest control (e.g., aphids, slugs) or frost protection.
• Well-suited to mild South African climates – coastal regions, Highveld, and cooler inland zones. Struggles in intense heat without shade.
• Benefits from being planted alongside carrots, onions, radish, beetroot, spring onions, cucumbers, and marigolds.
• Intercropping: Pair with carrots, radish, or chamomile for pest control.
• Crop Rotation: Plant after heavy feeders or legumes. Follow with root crops or herbs.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Till in residues to add organic matter.
• Avoid planting with broccoli, cabbage and fennel – may stunt lettuce growth.

 

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za