Red Little Gem

Red Little Gem Lettuce

A compact, upright lettuce with striking red leaves and a crisp green base. Slightly larger than the classic green ‘Little Gem’, it adds colour, crunch, and a sweet, delicate flavour to any salad or sandwich. Easy to grow, bolt-tolerant, and perfect for successive harvesting.

Harvest

May to November — pick outer leaves for cut-and-come-again or harvest the whole head when mature.

Growing Instructions

• Planting: Plant 30cm apart in well-drained soil in a sunny but sheltered spot.

• Watering: Keep soil moist until established and during dry periods, avoiding waterlogging.

• Pest Protection: Protect from slugs and snails using barriers or natural deterrents to keep leaves pristine.

Top Tips

• Succession Planting: Sow every 3 weeks for a constant harvest.

• Revive Wilted Leaves: Pop cut leaves in iced water to bring them back to life.

• Sun & Shelter: Full sun encourages crisp, sweet leaves, while a sheltered spot prevents wind or heavy rain from damaging the plants.

• Feeding: A light liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks will encourage larger, more flavourful leaves.