Lettuce 'Tom Thumb'

Tom Thumb lettuce seeds produce the smallest lettuce - a tennis ball-sized Bibb that will fit in the palm of your hand. The small heads have creamy yellow centers with medium green, slightly crumpled wrapper leaves. This variety works well in containers - even window boxes! It's a good candidate for indoor growing under lights and does not need a large container to grow well. Try growing some Tom Thumb lettuce seeds in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse in the winter.

DETAILS:

QTY: 200

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Sun - Part Shade - Cool Season

SEED DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: Germinates best below 21°C. Grows best below 16–18°C

HEIGHT: Varies

MATURITY: 50 - 70 Days

SPACING: 6 - 9"

HOW TO GROW:

Planting:

• When to Plant: Lettuce is a cool-weather crop and will bolt (go to seed and turn bitter) in hot temperatures. Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. For a continuous harvest, make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks. In warmer climates, plant again in the late summer for a fall and winter crop.

• Where to Plant: Choose a location with full sun in spring and fall. In warmer climates or during the heat of summer, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent bolting.

• Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds thinly, about 1/4 inch deep. For head lettuce varieties, thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart. For loose-leaf varieties, you can sow them closer, about 4-6 inches apart, as they will be harvested more frequently. You can also broadcast sow loose-leaf varieties for "baby greens" and harvest them with scissors.

Soil & Fertilizing:

• Soil Preference: Lettuce prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.

• Fertilizing: Lettuce is a light feeder. Amending the soil with compost before planting is often sufficient. If your soil is poor, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied, but be careful not to over-fertilize with nitrogen, as this can lead to soft, floppy growth.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist. Lettuce has shallow roots and can dry out quickly, which can lead to bitterness and bolting. Water regularly, especially in hot or dry weather. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases.

Pests & Diseases:

• Pests: Common pests include aphids, slugs, and snails. Slugs and snails can be managed with bait or by hand-picking. Aphids can be dislodged with a strong spray of water.

• Diseases: Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting:

• Loose-leaf Varieties: Use the "cut-and-come-again" method. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, leaving the center to continue growing.

• Head Varieties (Romaine, Butterhead, Iceberg): Harvest the entire head by cutting it at the base when it has reached a mature size.