{"product_id":"lettuce-little-gem","title":"Little Gem Lettuce","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"771\" class=\"\"\u003eLittle Gem Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a compact, mini cos-type lettuce prized for its crisp texture, sweet flavour, and dense, upright heads. Often described as a cross between butterhead and romaine, this variety grows to just 10–20 cm tall, making it perfect for small gardens, containers, and intensive planting systems. The tight hearts form quickly and are ready to harvest in as little as \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e65-70 days, providing a fast and reliable crop for home growers and urban farmers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"773\" data-end=\"1151\" class=\"\"\u003eAdapted to South African growing conditions, Little Gem thrives in the cooler seasons of autumn, winter, and early spring, but can also tolerate warmer periods if provided with adequate water and partial shade. Its compact habit, disease resistance, and outstanding flavour make it a favourite among both novice and experienced gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"body-text\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBenefits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCost Effective\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds are inexpensive\u003c\/strong\u003e, and one plant yields a full head, offering high return for minimal investment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimal pest\/disease issues \u003c\/strong\u003ewith proper care; companion planting (e.g., with onions) enhances resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulinary Versatility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePopular in\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eSouth African cuisine for fresh salads, braais (BBQ sides), and gourmet dishes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCrisp, sweet flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e appeals to a broad palate—great for restaurants and home cooks.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWorks well with local ingredients like avo, biltong, feta, and citrus dressings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsect Repellant and Pollinator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNot known for strong insect repellency.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIf allowed to bolt, flowers can attract pollinators and beneficial insects, aiding in garden biodiversity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNutritional Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHigh in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1358\"\u003evitamin A, vitamin K, folate\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1381\"\u003edietary fibre\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRich in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1411\"\u003eantioxidants\u003c\/strong\u003e and supports \u003cstrong data-start=\"1425\" data-end=\"1455\"\u003eskin, eye, and bone health\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNaturally \u003cstrong data-start=\"1471\" data-end=\"1490\"\u003elow in calories\u003c\/strong\u003e – a smart choice for weight-conscious diets.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommercial\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Potential\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIncreasing demand in\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003efarmers’ markets, restaurants, and health-conscious consumers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e High market value due to its gourmet image and year-round availability under tunnel farming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Crisp, sweet flavour appeals to a broad palate—great for restaurants and home cooks.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreat For Sustainable Farming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWorks well in\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eorganic gardens as a companion plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhen paired with pest-repelling plants (like garlic or marigolds), it fits into sustainable farming practices growing in popularity in SA.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHow To Use\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLettuce Little Gem flourishes under the following conditions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason\u003c\/strong\u003e: Year Round\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e15-20°C\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGerminate\u003c\/strong\u003e: 7-14 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDepth\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15x15 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: 65-70 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 10-20 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Season\u003c\/strong\u003e: Late Spring\/Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours daily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Growing Environment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLight, fertile, well-drained soils enriched with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/mushroom-compost\" title=\"Mushroom Compost\"\u003ecompost\u003c\/a\u003e. pH 6.0–7.0.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eKeep consistently moist – do not allow to dry out, but avoid waterlogging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eApply a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Vegetative\" title=\"Vegetative Fertilisers\"\u003ebalanced organic fertiliser\u003c\/a\u003e every 2–3 weeks for optimal leaf development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTemperatures between 15–20°C during the day; tolerates light frost down to-2°C but struggles above 27°C, which can cause bolting or bitterness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThrives in moderate humidity (50–70%); ensure airflow to avoid fungal diseases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eShield from strong winds and heavy rain; use row covers for pest control (e.g., aphids, slugs) or frost protection.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWell-suited to mild South African climates – coastal regions, Highveld, and cooler inland zones. Struggles in intense heat without shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003ebeing planted alongside \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Carrot Options\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Carrots\"\u003ecarrots\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/onion-texas\" title=\"Onion Texas Grano\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eonions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Radish Red Coral\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/radish-red-coral\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eradish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebeetroot\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/onion-spring-white-lisbon\" title=\"Spring Onion White Lisbon\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003espring\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eonions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecucumbers\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/french-marigold\" title=\"French Marigold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emarigolds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntercropping\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pair with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Carrots\" title=\"Carrot Options\"\u003ecarrots\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/radish-red-coral\" title=\"Radish Red Coral\"\u003eradish\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/chamomile\" title=\"Chamomile\"\u003echamomile\u003c\/a\u003e for pest control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrop Rotation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plant after heavy feeders or legumes. Follow with root crops or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Herbs\" title=\"Herb Options\"\u003eherbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Rejuvenation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Till in residues to add organic matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid planting with broccoli\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecabbage\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efennel\u003c\/strong\u003e – may stunt lettuce growth.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Green Houston","offers":[{"title":"0.04g (36 Seeds)","offer_id":46987504255219,"sku":"","price":14.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.16g (144 Seeds)","offer_id":46987504287987,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0344\/9087\/6044\/files\/LittleGemLettuceSingle.png?v=1749201095","url":"https:\/\/greenwares.myshopify.com\/products\/lettuce-little-gem","provider":"Green Houston","version":"1.0","type":"link"}