Tom Thumb Lettuce (47 Days)

The Tom Thumb Lettuce actually produces a full butterhead in a relatively short period of time. 6-7” heads have firm structure and compact habit. Leaves are dark green and the entire head will make a large salad for one. Can be grown 2-4 heads per square foot.  

300 seeds 

PLANTING

Lactuca sativa

Germination: 4-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70ºF. Soil temperatures above 75 ºF inhibits germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: ¼ inch deep

Starting Indoors:  Start 3-4 weeks before planting outside. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot, thinning to one per cell/pot. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperatures. Transplant out, 8-12” apart in rows 12” apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Spring when soil temperature reaches at least 50ºF. Sow 1” apart, thin to 6-12”, depending on the size of lettuce you want, baby to full heads. Keep soil moist during germination. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a longer harvest period. Sow heavy seeded rows every 10-14 days for baby greens using the 1/2 oz. Pinetree Lettuce Mix.

How much does a packet plant: 25-40 foot single row  

Harvest: Cut whole heads, full sized or baby at base or snipe off individual leaves.  

Tips: The Tom Thumb Lettuce needs fertile soil for optimum growth. Work in compost or well rotted manure into your soil before planting. Provide adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.