Lettuce Little Gem Butterhead – MIg

Description

Little Gem Butterhead Lettuce is a compact heirloom-type lettuce prized for its small, tightly formed heads, crisp inner leaves, and soft, buttery outer leaves. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a refreshing crunch, making it excellent for salads, sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, and fresh garnishes. Its compact size makes it ideal for containers, raised beds, small gardens, and succession planting. This cool-season lettuce performs particularly well in the UAE during the cooler months.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds from early October through December.
• Avoid: Peak summer planting, as extreme heat can cause bolting, bitter leaves, and poor head formation.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun during the cooler months. Provide partial shade if temperatures begin to rise. Use fertile, loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.3–0.5 cm deep or lightly press them into the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Germination typically occurs within 3–7 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 20–25 cm apart, with 25–30 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce has shallow roots and benefits from regular, light watering.
• Feeding: Add compost before planting and apply a mild balanced organic fertilizer during active growth.
• Harvest: Baby leaves can be harvested approximately 25–35 days after sowing. Full heads are typically ready in approximately 50–65 days.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut the entire head at the base when it is compact and well formed. Harvest in the morning for the freshest leaves.