Little Gem Lettuce Gatsbi Seeds
Little Gem Lettuce Gatsbi is an outstanding modern Little Gem variety that combines crisp texture, sweet flavour and excellent reliability. Producing neat, compact heads with tightly folded hearts and crisp green leaves, Gatsbi is perfect for gardeners seeking high-quality salad crops over a long harvesting season. Its compact habit makes it particularly suitable for smaller vegetable gardens, raised beds, containers and allotments, while its excellent uniformity also makes it popular with market growers.
The attractive heads develop dense, crunchy hearts with a refreshing sweetness and outstanding texture. As a Little Gem type, Gatsbi combines the crispness of a Cos lettuce with the compact size and tenderness that have made this class of lettuce so popular. The variety has been bred for improved standing ability and excellent resistance to bolting, allowing gardeners a wider harvesting window during warmer weather. Regular sowings every two to three weeks will provide a continuous supply of fresh lettuce from late spring until autumn. The compact heads are perfect for individual salads, sandwiches, wraps and barbecues, while the crisp leaves remain fresh and flavoursome after harvesting.
Sowing & Propagation
Sow seeds from March to July directly outdoors into finely prepared soil or start earlier under protection from Februaryin seed trays or modules. Sow seeds approximately 5 mm deep and keep the soil evenly moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Thin direct-sown seedlings to 20 to 25 cm apart, leaving 30 cm between rows. Module-raised plants should be transplanted once they have developed several true leaves and have been hardened off.
Growing On
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Water consistently throughout the growing season, particularly during warm weather, to encourage uninterrupted growth and prevent premature bolting. Applying organic mulch helps retain soil moisture while suppressing weeds.
Protect young plants from slugs and snails and consider using horticultural fleece against birds where necessary. Successive sowings every few weeks will ensure a continuous supply of crisp hearts throughout the season. Gatsbi has excellent standing ability, allowing heads to remain in good condition for longer before harvesting.
Harvesting
Harvest from May to October, depending on sowing date. Cut mature heads at ground level once firm, compact hearts have developed. Alternatively, harvest outer leaves individually for a cut-and-come-again crop while allowing the centre to continue growing. Harvest during the cooler part of the day for maximum freshness and crispness.
Key Features
- Premium Little Gem variety
- Compact, uniform heads
- Crisp, crunchy hearts
- Sweet, mild flavour
- Excellent bolt resistance
- Long standing ability
- Ideal for succession sowing
- Suitable for gardens, allotments and containers
- Perfect for fresh salads and sandwiches
- Reliable throughout the growing season
Little Gem Lettuce Gatsbi is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for compact, sweet and crunchy lettuces with dependable garden performance. Its superb flavour, attractive appearance and excellent resistance to bolting make it one of the finest Little Gem varieties for continuous harvesting throughout the UK growing season.
Keep lettuce seed in a cool dry place or it will go dormant and not germinate. Lettuce must be kept free of slugs.
Downy Mildew (EU) races 29–39 (High)
Lettuce Leaf Aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (High)
Lettuce Mosaic Virus (Intermediate)
Quantity. PKT
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