Tom Thumb lettuce was first developed in England during the Victorian times and is now one of North America's oldest lettuce varieties still being grown. First introduced in 1858 by H. Wheeler & Sons, it is often affectionately referred to as "fairy cabbage" for its compact, tennis ball-sized heads that nestle neatly in the palm of your hand.
Known for its crunchy texture and quick growth, Tom Thumb lettuce is ready for harvest in just 45-50 days, making it ideal for those seeking rapid results. It grows well in a range of conditions but prefers well-draining soil, a sunny to partially shaded location, and consistent watering.
Tom Thumb butterhead lettuce quickly forms small, neat heads that grow compactly, rarely larger than 5" in diameter, so you can plant them close together. Tom Thumb prefers the coolness of spring or fall, so remember to avoid growing it in hot weather as it won't look or taste as good.
The slightly crumpled medium-green outer leaves wrap nicely around a creamy yellow center, creating a delightful mix of colours and textures for your salads. Compact in size, Tom Thumb Lettuce is perfect for small gardens, balconies and window boxes, making it a prime choice for urban gardeners. Its small heads are just the right size for a personal salad or appetizer.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Lettuce is the cornerstone of many great salads. And with so many varieties to choose from, why not grow your own and make a custom greens mix?
Lettuce seeds can be directly sown as soon as the garden can be worked and the soil reaches at least 4°C. Seeds will germinate best between 13 and 18°C. If you want to get a head start, seeds may be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant in flats 1 cm deep, every 3 cm. Thin seedlings to 25 cm apart when they have 3-4 true leaves.
Lettuce likes sunny spots, but will tolerate some shade, especially in the hot summer months. Make sure the soil is loose and well drained. If sowing directly, pay extra attention to the consistency of the soil. Because of the seed’s small size, the bed should be well tilled and free of any debris. Transplant when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves and a well-established root system. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Spacing in the garden is dependent on the type and variety of lettuce. If leaves become wilted, you can be sure that water is needed. Sprinkle the leaves with water anytime of day and keep the soil evenly moist. If needed, use row covers or shade cloth to shelter from the sun and prevent drying out. You can also map out the garden so that the lettuce will be shaded by some taller crops.
Mulch around the plants to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. If weeds do emerge among the lettuce, promptly and carefully remove them. Don’t let heads surpass their readiness date, leaves will become tough and bitter. Refer to the specific instructions for your variety.
Loose leaf, butterhead and romaine types can be harvested by collecting the outer leaves and allowing the centre to continue growing. Crisp head lettuces should be cut whole when the heads are full and dense. The morning is the best time to harvest, leaves will be crisp and fresh.
QUICK FACTS
- Lettuce was first cultivated in ancient Egypt for the production of oil from its seeds. This plant was then selectively bred by the Egyptians for its edible leaves as early as 3,000 BC. The domestication of lettuce over the millenniums has resulted in several changes: delayed bolting, larger seeds, larger leaves and heads, better taste and texture, and different leaf shapes and colours.
- Lettuce is a cool-weather crop so it needs partial shade during the hot summer months or the leaves need to be misted on hot days.
- Allow enough space between the seeds to grow as overcrowding can cause lettuce to turn bitter.
- There are four main types of lettuces: crisphead, butterhead, romaine and loose-leaf.
- Lettuce seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
