Little Gem
A compact Cos variety with sweet, crisp hearts. Ideal for small spaces and containers, maturing quickly.
When to plant Lettuce in Nottingham
Lactuca sativa
Loose-leaf and hearting lettuce for the UK garden. Sow little and often for salad leaves, or start heading types indoors and plant them out. Give light shade in midsummer, and keep the soil evenly moist so plants do not bolt.
30 cm · Partial Shade · High Water
Calibrated to Nottingham · average last frost around 20 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Grow hearting varieties like Iceberg or Cos for harvesting whole heads.
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
9 Mar to 18 Jul Optional · repeat every 2 weeksSow in modules from 9th March - 18th July. Cover with a thin layer of compost so some light can reach the seed. Keep them bright so they do not go leggy. Repeat every 14 days.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
23 Mar to 8 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePrick seedlings into individual pots when they have two true leaves, around 23rd March - 8th August. Hold them by the leaves, not the stem. Grow them on in a cool, bright spot.
03
Harden Off Plants
6 Apr to 22 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageHarden plants off for 7 to 10 days from 6th April - 22nd August. Put them outside by day and bring them in at night until they are used to outdoor weather.
04
Transplant Outdoors
20 Apr to 29 AugPlant out from 20th April - 29th August. Space plants apart, water in well, and protect from slugs.
05
Water and Feed
4 May to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksKeep the soil evenly moist from 4th May through 7th November. In the ground, plants usually need no feed. In pots, use a balanced liquid feed every 14 days.
06
Harvest Whole Heads
9 Jun to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageCut whole heads once they feel firm, from 9th June. Do not delay once they are ready. Cut at the base in the morning. You can keep harvesting through 9th June - 7th November.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Lettuce.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Lettuce to consider
Tom Thumb
A heritage butterhead lettuce dating back to the 1850s. Produces tennis-ball sized heads with soft, buttery leaves and sweet flavour. Perfect for small gardens, raised beds, and containers. Matures quickly in 6-7 weeks. Cold-hardy and excels in spring and autumn plantings.
Lollo Rosso
A loose-leaf lettuce with frilly, red-edged leaves. Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting and adds colour to salads.
Iceberg
A crisphead lettuce forming tight, crunchy heads. Requires a longer growing season but stores well after harvesting.
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Calabrese
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