Lettuce 'Winter Gem'

Where to Plant
Plant Lettuce 'Winter Gem' in a sheltered position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It's particularly well suited to growing through the cooler months in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, where protection from the worst winter weather helps keep plants growing and leaves in good condition. It can also be grown outdoors in a sheltered spot where conditions are suitable.

Planting
Space plants around 20–25cm apart, with approximately 25–30cm between rows. 'Winter Gem' forms naturally compact hearts, so it doesn't need as much room as larger lettuces. Plant each plug at the same depth it was growing previously, gently firm around the roots and water thoroughly.

Watering & Feeding
Keep the soil or compost evenly moist while plants establish, but take care not to overwater during cold weather when growth is slower. Waterlogging can encourage root and leaf problems, so good drainage is especially important over winter. When growing under cover, check plants regularly rather than assuming the compost is still moist, as they won't benefit from rainfall.

'Winter Gem' generally needs little additional feeding when planted into fertile soil or fresh compost. If growth is poor, use a balanced liquid vegetable feed at the recommended rate. Avoid overfeeding, particularly during winter, as the aim is steady, healthy growth rather than lots of soft foliage.

Growing Under Cover
An unheated greenhouse or cold frame provides useful protection from prolonged rain, hard frost and cold winds, making it easier to keep 'Winter Gem' cropping through the colder months. Ventilate on mild days to improve airflow and reduce excess humidity, closing the greenhouse or cold frame again before temperatures fall later in the day.

Winter Protection
'Winter Gem' has good cold tolerance, but young plants and those growing outdoors can benefit from horticultural fleece or a cloche during particularly severe frost. Remove or lift protection during milder spells to provide ventilation and prevent conditions around the leaves becoming excessively damp.

Pests & Problems
Slugs and snails can remain active during mild, damp weather and may damage young plants and outer leaves. Check around plants regularly, particularly when growing in cold frames where pests can find sheltered conditions.

Aphids and fungal problems can also occur, especially under cover where air movement is limited. Avoid overcrowding, remove yellowing or damaged leaves and ventilate greenhouses and cold frames regularly on mild days to reduce humidity and maintain good airflow.

Good Companions
'Winter Gem' can be grown alongside other cool-season crops such as spinach, radishes, spring onions and beetroot. Its compact growth makes it particularly useful for filling smaller spaces in raised beds, vegetable gardens and protected growing areas.

Make the Most of Protected Space
When growing in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, use the compact habit of 'Winter Gem' to make productive use of valuable growing space through autumn and winter. Leave enough room between plants for air to circulate rather than packing them tightly together, as damp, crowded conditions can encourage fungal problems.

Making the Most of Your Crop
'Winter Gem' forms compact hearts, so you can harvest whole lettuces once the hearts feel firm, or pick a few outer leaves as needed while leaving the centre to continue growing. During colder weather growth will naturally slow, so don't worry if plants take longer to develop their hearts through the depths of winter.

Crop Rotation
Lettuce doesn't require the strict crop rotation needed for crops such as brassicas, but it's still sensible to avoid repeatedly growing lettuce in exactly the same soil. Moving crops around where practical can help reduce the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.

Harvest When Firm
Cut whole hearts once they feel firm and well filled, or harvest individual outer leaves as required for a longer picking season.

Pick Little and Often
Regular harvesting encourages continued growth and helps maintain the best texture and flavour.

Harvest in Cool Conditions
Pick early in the morning or during the evening to keep leaves crisp and fresh.

Flavour
Sweet, crisp and refreshing with a satisfying crunch.

Best Enjoyed
Perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps, where its crunchy texture can really shine.

Storage
Store in the salad drawer of the fridge for several days. Washing leaves just before use helps keep them at their freshest.

Top Tip
For the crispiest leaves, place harvested lettuce in cold water for a few minutes before serving.

Plug Plants
Supplied as healthy young plants with well-developed roots, plug plants are ready to be planted straight into their final growing position or potted on if preferred. Water well on arrival and keep moist until established.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been grown on for longer, making them larger and more robust. They can be planted straight into the garden with minimal fuss, giving you a useful head start towards your harvest.

9cm Potted Plants
Supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots, these well-established plants are ready to plant straight into vegetable gardens, raised beds or allotments. Simply plant, water well and keep the soil moist while they establish.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and give them a thorough watering. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and wind, ensuring the compost stays moist until you're ready to plant.