Newham lettuce stands out as an improved Little Gem type that combines the crisp crunch of romaine with the compact size perfect for smaller gardens. Ready to harvest in just 52 days, this open-pollinated variety develops into neat, bushy heads that resist both Downy Mildew and Lettuce Mosaic Virus. Plant spacing of just 1 inch apart makes it ideal for intensive growing, while its reliable genetics ensure consistent performance across cool-season plantings.
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This improved Little Gem cultivar delivers restaurant-quality lettuce in under two months, making it perfect for succession planting throughout the growing season. Its natural resistance to Downy Mildew and Lettuce Mosaic Virus means fewer crop losses, while the compact growth habit maximizes harvest from minimal space. The open-pollinated genetics allow gardeners to save seeds, maintaining this reliable performer year after year in their own garden ecosystem.
Newham lettuce excels in fresh salads where its Little Gem heritage shines through crisp, sweet leaves that hold their texture beautifully. The compact heads work perfectly for individual serving portions, making them ideal for plated salads and elegant presentations. Like other Little Gem types, the leaves maintain their crunch in mixed greens and provide excellent structure for Caesar salads or any dish requiring sturdy lettuce that won't wilt under dressing.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your anticipated transplant date, keeping temperatures below 70°F for optimal germination.
Transplant outdoors when soil can be worked and after hardening off seedlings, spacing them 1 inch apart in rows 16 inches apart.
Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring, using row covers to improve germination and prevent soil crusting. For extended harvest, plant every 2-3 weeks and choose heat-tolerant varieties for summer plantings.
Harvest individual outer leaves starting at 52 days, allowing inner leaves to continue developing for extended production. You can also cut the entire plant about 1 inch above soil level for a full head harvest, or remove the complete plant root and all. Check daily once mature as leaves will eventually turn bitter as the plant begins to bolt, making timely harvest essential for best quality.
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