Kings Seeds Lettuce Little Gem Cos Rhs Agm

The popular gardeners choice, Little Gem produces small compact heads of bright green. They are slightly more open than other varieties but outstanding for its flavour. Sow early spring up to July. This can also be used as mini veg! Lettuce is one of the staple ingredients in a crispy, fresh summer salad. So what could be better than growing your very own lettuce to add to your tasty salads.
Little gem is a cos type of lettuce.

When to Sow Little Gem Lettuce Seeds
End of February to July.

Where to Sow
Sowings can be made underglass, sow seeds into pots or trays of seed sowing compost at a temperature of 15-20C and lightly cover seeds with sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Alternatively sow seeds from April thinly along rows 1.5cm (1/2in) deep and 30cm (12in) apart direct in the vegetable plot.

What to do next
Sowings made underglass can be pricked out into individual pots or module trays and grown on until ready to harden off and plant out into the vegetable plot 30cm (12in) apart between the plants and the rows. Seedlings sown direct outside can be thinned once large enough to handle to 30cm (12in) apart. Thinnings can also be transplanted into other rows, watered in well during hot dry spells.

Maturity
10-12 weeks from sowing.

Handy Tip
Even in very limited space this variety can be used. Grow bags, large pots or window boxes give good regular crops.

Nutritional Values
A good source of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and vitamin C as well as vitamin K.

Lettuce seeds can be sown in modules. seed trays or direct into the growing site and thinned to the required spacings as soon as possible. Rows should be about 30cm apart and the seeds sown 1cm deep. Small lettuces can be spaced at 15-20cm distances, whilst large crispheads will need 30-35cm. Regular watering is essential especially the 7-10 days before maturity. Lettuces mature quickly, butterheads at about 10 weeks and crisphead and cos types at around 14 weeks. They will not stand for more than 5-7 days once mature before running to seed, so successful successional sowing or the use of the "cut and come again" types is required. Sowings begin in February under glass at 15°C followed by outdoor sowings under cloches until late autumn. Sowings for overwinter production uses cloches and glasshouse. Germination difficulties may be experienced in July and August as lettuce seed will go into dormancy if sown in very hot weather.