• Tom Thumb Lettuce Seed
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Lettuce, Tom Thumb Lettuce

$2.75 USD
$2.75 USD
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Non-GMO, Heirloom. Tom Thumb Lettuce is a Bibb type that grows to the size of a small baseball or tennis ball size. The bright green Tom Thumb lettuce produces small compact heads with slightly crumpled leaves and delicate sweet flavor. One head will make a salad for one or  two people.  Tom Thumb  grows wonderfully in container pots, window boxes, hanging baskets. This lettuce grows hydroponically very well.  The Tom Thumb lettuce variety is the oldest American lettuce still grown, dating back to 1830's.  Matures in 55 days.

  • Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
  • Treated:  No
  • Germination Time:  7-14 Days
  • Days to Maturity:  40-60 Days
  • Germination Rate:  90%
  • Lifecycle:  Annual
  • Watering:  Frequent light watering
  • Sow Method:  Direct Sow or Transplant
  • Sow Depth:  1/4 - 1/2 inch
  • Seed Spacing:  1 inch
  • Plant Spacing:  Thin to 6-8 inches
  • Hardiness Zone:  3-9
  • Row Spacing:  18”
  • Growth Habit:  Mound
  • Soil Preference:  Slightly acidic to neutral
  • Temp Preference:  Warm
  • Light Preference:  Full sun to light shade
  • Color:  Green
  • Flavor:  Mildly sweet 
  • Lettuce Growing Guide
  • Companion Planting Guide

Because lettuce have shallow roots, it should be  cultivated carefully. Frequent light watering causes the leaves to develop rapidly, resulting in high-quality lettuce. Overwatering, especially in heavy soils, can lead to disease, soft growth and scalding or burning of the leaf margins. Organic mulches can help moderate soil temperature and the microenvironment to produce quality lettuce in less than ideal weather conditions.

      CLASSIFICATION:  Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Non-Gmo, Annual

Open pollinated means this plants flowers are fertilized by bees, moths, birds, bats, and even the wind or rain. The seed that forms produces the same plant the following year. 

All heirlooms are open pollinated, but not all open pollinated plants are heirlooms. Only a small fraction of the plant world is considered heirloom. This variety has a history of being passed down within communities and families as early as the 1700's, similar to the generational sharing of items like jewelry or furniture.

  • COMPANIONS:

  • Beet
  • Cabbage Family
  • Carrot
  • Onion
  • Radish
  • Strawberry

           ALLIES:

  • Chives
  • Garlic

           ENEMIES:

  • Fennel
  • Pole Beans
  • Tomatoes

Nutritional Value & Health Benefits

Lettuce, except iceberg, is also a moderately good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and copper. The spine and ribs provide dietary fiber, while vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the delicate leaf portion.