Product Overview
Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce Heirloom Seed
**Product Overview**
Todd's Seeds is delighted to offer the Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce Heirloom Seed, a classic variety renowned for its exceptional taste and texture. Little Gem lettuce is a miniature butterhead type, forming compact, crisp heads with a soft, buttery heart. The heads are small, usually about 4-6 inches in diameter, making them perfect for individual servings. This heirloom variety is celebrated for its sweet flavor and tender leaves, ideal for gourmet salads, sandwiches, and as a delicate garnish. Little Gem Lettuce is not only a culinary favorite but also easy to grow, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels, including those with limited space.
**Planting Instructions**
- **Sowing Time:** Best sown in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
- **Soil Requirements:** Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- **Planting Depth:** Sow seeds lightly on the soil surface, as lettuce seeds need light to germinate.
- **Spacing:** Space plants 6-8 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
- **Germination:** Generally occurs within 7-10 days at temperatures of 60-70°F.
**Growth and Care**
- **Watering:** Maintain consistent soil moisture for best growth.
- **Sunlight:** Full sun to partial shade is ideal.
- **Fertilizing:** Lightly fertilize to encourage lush leaf production.
- **Harvesting:** Harvest whole heads when mature or pick individual leaves as needed.
**Health Benefits**
Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce is packed with health benefits:
- **Nutrient-Rich:** High in vitamins A and K, and a good source of folate and iron.
- **Hydration:** Its high water content helps in maintaining hydration.
- **Low in Calories:** Perfect for those focusing on a healthy, balanced diet.
- **Digestive Health:** Contains fiber, beneficial for digestive wellness.
**Culinary Uses**
Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce is versatile in culinary applications:
- **Salads:** Ideal for creating elegant, single-serving salads.
- **Sandwiches:** Adds a sweet, tender element to any sandwich.
- **Garnishing:** Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to plated dishes.
- **Wraps:** Can be used as a wrap for a light, healthy meal option.
**Simple Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette**
A refreshing and simple salad showcasing Little Gem Lettuce.
**Ingredients:**
- Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce, whole heads or leaves
- Olive oil, citrus juice (like orange or lemon), and honey for dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: nuts, cheese, or sliced fruit for added texture and flavor
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and dry the Little Gem Lettuce.
2. If using whole heads, place them on individual plates; if using leaves, arrange them in a salad bowl.
3. Whisk together olive oil, citrus juice, and honey to create a vinaigrette.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the lettuce.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add additional ingredients like nuts, cheese, or fruit, if desired.
7. Serve as a fresh, elegant salad.
The Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce Heirloom Seed from Todd's Seeds is an excellent choice for gardeners and chefs who appreciate the fine qualities of heirloom lettuce varieties. Its compact size and delightful flavor make it a prized addition to any culinary creation.
1 Packet: 2g
1 Gram ~ 600-1200 seeds
1 Pound ~ 425,000 seeds