Small, round head with delicate leaves. About the size of a baseball. Perfect for one-person salad. Can be planted close together in small space. 'Tom Thumb' is small but large-hearted. Start from seed 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in wide rows and thin to 8 to 12 inches apart. Thinned seedlings can be replanted. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Protect from rabbits and slugs. Extend the harvest season by planting successive crops. Summer heat causes lettuce to bolt. Pick outer leaves as they grow or harvest all at once. Harvesting when weather or day temperature is cooler will result in crisper leaves. Do not harvest lettuces until you are ready to use it.
Lettuce is a live food with its rich vitamin content, especially the anti scorbutic vitamin c It is bulky low in food value but high in health value. It is rich in mineral salts with the alkaline elements greatly predominating. So it helps to keep the blood clean. the mind alert and body in good health.
The loose leaf lettuce is considered a better food. It has the advantage of being more exposed to sunlight. thus providing it with a richer supply of vitamins than the head-lettuce in which the leaves are closed. Whatever quality of lettuce is selected for use, it should be ensured that it is fresh. crisp and green -leaved. The greener the leaves. the higher the vitamins.
Would grow well in containers on your patio or use it as a petite planting border.
All lettuce is a good source of chlorophyll and vitamin K, a good source of choline and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, folic acid, manganese and chromium. Since lettuce is very low in calories, it has been effective when consumed as a diet food. Due to its high water content, lettuce provides little health benefits beyond its nutrient content.
