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Little Gem Lettuce | Tiny Town Farms

Crisp, Sweet, and Pesticide-Free | Hydroponically Grown for Year-Round Freshness

Nutrition Information (per 100)
NutrientAmount%RDI
Calories
15 kcal
—
Fiber
1.2 g
5%
Vitamin K
102 mcg
85%
Folate
36 mcg
9%
Vitamin C
6 mg
10%

FAQs About Little Gem Lettuce

What makes Little Gem different from romaine or butterhead?

It has the crunch of romaine with the sweetness and tenderness of butterhead, making it ideal for both raw and cooked dishes.

Can I grill Little Gem Lettuce?

Yes! Its tight heads and dense leaves hold up well to heat, making it perfect for grilling or roasting.

Is your lettuce organic?

Not certified organic, but our lettuce is grown without pesticides and harvested clean from a soil-free hydroponic system.

Can I store this like other lettuces?

Yes – just keep it unwashed in the crisper drawer wrapped in a dry paper towel or cloth bag.

Farming Notes

Little Gem Lettuce

• Product Description

The exact date of origin of Little Gem lettuce is hard to establish, but it is certainly an old heirloom, most likely from Britain. Little Gem is a cross between small specimens of romaine and butterhead type. The overall appearance of Little Gem leans more toward romaine, growing to about half the size of regular lettuce. The heads grow to only about 6 inches by 6 inches with a thick heart that fits in the palm of your hand, making it a nice personal size lettuce.

Little Gem lettuce is heat tolerant and somewhat resistant to common pests. An ideal candidate for successive sowings from spring until fall, this variety is well adapted to small spaces and intensive planting. Little Gem lettuce is very easy and convenient to grow in beds, containers or large window boxes.

One of the best-tasting lettuces you’ll find, it is great in sandwiches and makes for a nice individual mini-sized Caesar salad with a wholesome appearance. Little Gem is becoming increasingly popular at farmer’s markets for their cute looks, ultra-crispness and sweet, never bitter flavour. This old reliable heirloom has become so popular, in fact, that it has recently become mainstream and is sold at some Whole Foods and Costco supermarkets.

• Growing Instructions

Lettuce is the cornerstone of many great salads. And with so many varieties to choose from, why not grow your own and make a custom greens mix?

Lettuce seeds can be directly sown as soon as the garden can be worked and the soil reaches at least 4°C. Seeds will germinate best between 13 and 18°C. If you want to get a head start, seeds may be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant in flats 1 cm deep, every 3 cm. Thin seedlings to 25 cm apart when they have 3-4 true leaves.

Lettuce likes sunny spots, but will tolerate some shade, especially in the hot summer months. Make sure the soil is loose and well drained. If sowing directly, pay extra attention to the consistency of the soil. Because of the seed’s small size, the bed should be well tilled and free of any debris. Transplant when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves and a well-established root system. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Spacing in the garden is dependent on the type and variety of lettuce. If leaves become wilted, you can be sure that water is needed. Sprinkle the leaves with water anytime of day and keep the soil evenly moist. If needed, use row covers or shade cloth to shelter from the sun and prevent drying out. You can also map out the garden so that the lettuce will be shaded by some taller crops.

Mulch around the plants to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. If weeds do emerge among the lettuce, promptly and carefully remove them. Don’t let heads surpass their readiness date, leaves will become tough and bitter. Refer to the specific instructions for your variety.

Loose leaf, butterhead and romaine types can be harvested by collecting the outer leaves and allowing the centre to continue growing. Crisp head lettuces should be cut whole when the heads are full and dense. The morning is the best time to harvest, leaves will be crisp and fresh.

Quick Facts

  • Lettuce was first cultivated in ancient Egypt for the production of oil from its seeds. This plant was then selectively bred by the Egyptians for its edible leaves as early as 3,000 BC. The domestication of lettuce over the millenniums has resulted in several changes: delayed bolting, larger seeds, larger leaves and heads, better taste and texture, and different leaf shapes and colours.
  • Lettuce is a cool-weather crop so it needs partial shade during the hot summer months or the leaves need to be misted on hot days.
  • Allow enough space between the seeds to grow as overcrowding can cause lettuce to turn bitter.
  • There are four main types of lettuces: crisphead, butterhead, romaine and loose-leaf.
  • Lettuce seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

Planting Details

  • Latin Name:
    Lactuca sativa
  • Days to Maturity:
    45-80
  • Life Cycle:
    Annual
  • Start Indoors or Cold Frame:
    4-6 weeks before final spring frost
  • Planting Depth:
    0.5 cm
  • Days to Germination:
    3-12
  • Optimal Soil Temperature for Germination:
    18-22°C ( Seeds can germinate well in soils as low as 5°C but do poorly above 24°C)
  • Seedlings Optminal Daytime Temperature:
    16-18°C
  • Days from transplanting to mature crop:
    40
  • Transplant Seedlings:
    25-30 cm apart ( For mini-heads, transplant 15 cm apart in a grid )
  • Direct Sowing for Baby Leaf:
    10 seeds every 5 cm in rows 5-10 cm apart. ( Cut 2-3 cm above the growing point when leaves are about 10 cm long)
  • Direct Sowing:
    As soon as the soil can be worked ( Young plants properly hardened can grow at temperatures as a low as -5°C)
  • Seed Spacing:
    3-4 seeds every 10 cm
  • Thinning Seedlings:
    25-30 cm apart
  • Row Spacing:
    30-45 cm
  • Plant Height:
    15-30 cm
  • Harvest:
    Snip large outer leaves to allow the small leaves to mature. Cut alternating plants to extend the harvest window.
  • Average Seeds Needed Per 10 m Row:
    200
  • Average Yield Per 10 m Row:
    35-50 heads
Lettuces

Little Gem Lettuce

from $3.99
per package
Product Overview
Little Gem Lettuce is a compact, crunchy variety beloved by chefs for its sweet flavor and perfect texture. Grown hydroponically at Tiny Town Farms, it’s harvested to order, 100% pesticide-free, and always crisp. Its tight leaves and small size make it ideal for salads, wraps, and grilled dishes.
  • Pesticide-Free & Non-GMO
    Clean, safe, and nutrient-rich
  • Sustainably Grown
    Using 90% less water than traditional farming
  • Why Choose Hydroponic Little Gem Lettuce
  • Longer shelf life
  • Free from soil contaminants
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Harvested at the Peak of Freshness
Flavour & Texture
  • Flavor Profile:
    Sweet, mild, and slightly nutty
  • Texture:
    Crunchy core with soft, buttery outer leaves
Classification Information
  • Scientific Name:
    Lactuca sativa
  • Family:
    Asteraceae
  • Variety:
    Little Gem Lettuce
  • Type:
    Romaine-Butterhead Hybrid
Trivia & Origin

Originally from France, Little Gem Lettuce is prized for being small, flavorful, and ideal for individual servings. Its sturdy leaves can stand up to rich dressings, making it popular in upscale kitchens.

At Tiny Town Farms, our hydroponic method enhances the plant’s natural sweetness and ensures zero pesticide use and zero soil contact.

How to Choose the Best Little Gem Lettuce
Look for:
  • Tight, compact heads
  • Bright green outer leaves with no wilting
  • Crisp interior and a fresh, clean scent
Avoid:
  • Browning or slimy outer leaves
  • Overly soft or limp heads
How to Use & Enjoy
  • Salads:
    A natural star – pair with vinaigrettes, lemon juice, or creamy dressings
  • Wraps & Cups:
    Perfect portion size for handheld lettuce wraps
  • Grilled or Roasted:
    Cut in half and grill for smoky flavor and a caramelized edge
  • Sandwiches:
    Use leaves in place of buns or tortillas for a crisp, fresh crunch
  • Pro Tip:
    Split a head lengthwise and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt before grilling for a gourmet side dish.
Storage & Freshness Tips
  • Refrigerator:
    Store in a reusable container with a dry paper towel to absorb moisture
  • Shelf Life:
    Stays fresh for 7–10 days if unwashed and properly stored
  • Revival Tip:
    Soak slightly wilted leaves in ice water to restore crispness
  • Do not wash before storage:
    moisture shortens shelf life.
Cooking & Recipe Ideas
Recommended Recipes:
  • [Grilled Little Gem with Lemon-Garlic Dressing] (link)
  • [Chopped Little Gem Caesar Salad] (link)
  • [Korean Lettuce Wraps with Little Gem] (link)
Health Benefits
  • Supports bone
  • Great source of
  • Naturally low in calories,
Sustainability & Farming Method
  • Grown Hydroponically Using 90% Less Water
  • Pesticide-Free, Non-GMO, and Harvested at their Peak of Freshness
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging for Minimal Waste
Why Hydroponic Farming?
  • Uses significantly less water than traditional farming
  • No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
  • Protects crops from soil-borne diseases and contamination
  • Reduces the carbon footprint with year-round production
  • Grown indoors with zero exposure to weather, pests, or contaminants – resulting in consistent, gourmet-quality
Nutrition Information (per 100)
NutrientAmount%RDI
Calories
15 kcal
—
Fiber
1.2 g
5%
Vitamin K
102 mcg
85%
Folate
36 mcg
9%
Vitamin C
6 mg
10%

FAQs About Little Gem Lettuce

May we also suggest …

    Farming Notes

    Little Gem Lettuce

    • Product Description

    The exact date of origin of Little Gem lettuce is hard to establish, but it is certainly an old heirloom, most likely from Britain. Little Gem is a cross between small specimens of romaine and butterhead type. The overall appearance of Little Gem leans more toward romaine, growing to about half the size of regular lettuce. The heads grow to only about 6 inches by 6 inches with a thick heart that fits in the palm of your hand, making it a nice personal size lettuce.

    Little Gem lettuce is heat tolerant and somewhat resistant to common pests. An ideal candidate for successive sowings from spring until fall, this variety is well adapted to small spaces and intensive planting. Little Gem lettuce is very easy and convenient to grow in beds, containers or large window boxes.

    One of the best-tasting lettuces you’ll find, it is great in sandwiches and makes for a nice individual mini-sized Caesar salad with a wholesome appearance. Little Gem is becoming increasingly popular at farmer’s markets for their cute looks, ultra-crispness and sweet, never bitter flavour. This old reliable heirloom has become so popular, in fact, that it has recently become mainstream and is sold at some Whole Foods and Costco supermarkets.

    • Growing Instructions

    Lettuce is the cornerstone of many great salads. And with so many varieties to choose from, why not grow your own and make a custom greens mix?

    Lettuce seeds can be directly sown as soon as the garden can be worked and the soil reaches at least 4°C. Seeds will germinate best between 13 and 18°C. If you want to get a head start, seeds may be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant in flats 1 cm deep, every 3 cm. Thin seedlings to 25 cm apart when they have 3-4 true leaves.

    Lettuce likes sunny spots, but will tolerate some shade, especially in the hot summer months. Make sure the soil is loose and well drained. If sowing directly, pay extra attention to the consistency of the soil. Because of the seed’s small size, the bed should be well tilled and free of any debris. Transplant when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves and a well-established root system. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

    Spacing in the garden is dependent on the type and variety of lettuce. If leaves become wilted, you can be sure that water is needed. Sprinkle the leaves with water anytime of day and keep the soil evenly moist. If needed, use row covers or shade cloth to shelter from the sun and prevent drying out. You can also map out the garden so that the lettuce will be shaded by some taller crops.

    Mulch around the plants to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. If weeds do emerge among the lettuce, promptly and carefully remove them. Don’t let heads surpass their readiness date, leaves will become tough and bitter. Refer to the specific instructions for your variety.

    Loose leaf, butterhead and romaine types can be harvested by collecting the outer leaves and allowing the centre to continue growing. Crisp head lettuces should be cut whole when the heads are full and dense. The morning is the best time to harvest, leaves will be crisp and fresh.

    Quick Facts

    • Lettuce was first cultivated in ancient Egypt for the production of oil from its seeds. This plant was then selectively bred by the Egyptians for its edible leaves as early as 3,000 BC. The domestication of lettuce over the millenniums has resulted in several changes: delayed bolting, larger seeds, larger leaves and heads, better taste and texture, and different leaf shapes and colours.
    • Lettuce is a cool-weather crop so it needs partial shade during the hot summer months or the leaves need to be misted on hot days.
    • Allow enough space between the seeds to grow as overcrowding can cause lettuce to turn bitter.
    • There are four main types of lettuces: crisphead, butterhead, romaine and loose-leaf.
    • Lettuce seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

    Planting Details

    • Latin Name:
      Lactuca sativa
    • Days to Maturity:
      45-80
    • Life Cycle:
      Annual
    • Start Indoors or Cold Frame:
      4-6 weeks before final spring frost
    • Planting Depth:
      0.5 cm
    • Days to Germination:
      3-12
    • Optimal Soil Temperature for Germination:
      18-22°C ( Seeds can germinate well in soils as low as 5°C but do poorly above 24°C)
    • Seedlings Optminal Daytime Temperature:
      16-18°C
    • Days from transplanting to mature crop:
      40
    • Transplant Seedlings:
      25-30 cm apart ( For mini-heads, transplant 15 cm apart in a grid )
    • Direct Sowing for Baby Leaf:
      10 seeds every 5 cm in rows 5-10 cm apart. ( Cut 2-3 cm above the growing point when leaves are about 10 cm long)
    • Direct Sowing:
      As soon as the soil can be worked ( Young plants properly hardened can grow at temperatures as a low as -5°C)
    • Seed Spacing:
      3-4 seeds every 10 cm
    • Thinning Seedlings:
      25-30 cm apart
    • Row Spacing:
      30-45 cm
    • Plant Height:
      15-30 cm
    • Harvest:
      Snip large outer leaves to allow the small leaves to mature. Cut alternating plants to extend the harvest window.
    • Average Seeds Needed Per 10 m Row:
      200
    • Average Yield Per 10 m Row:
      35-50 heads