Type
mini romaine
Lettuce variety
Little Gem Lettuce
A small compact lettuce with sweet crunchy leaves and a tidy habit. It works well where space is limited or for close spacing.
Days to maturity
50 to 60
Best for
small gardens, individual heads
About Little Gem
Little Gem is a compact mini romaine with sweet, crisp leaves and a tightly layered habit. It combines romaine crunch with a smaller, faster head that fits home gardens and close spacing well.
Growing Little Gem Lettuce
Because the heads stay small, this is an excellent choice for succession planting and small-space beds. Harvest as soon as heads feel dense and full, since overmature mini romaines can elongate quickly in warm weather.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all lettuce, see the complete guide.
How to grow LettuceOther lettuce varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.