Lettuce ‘Little Leprechaun’ – Caring For Little Leprechaun Lettuce Plants

Tired of the rather lackluster, monochrome green Romaine lettuce? Try growing Little Leprechaun lettuce plants. Read on to learn about Little Leprechaun care in the garden.

About Lettuce ‘Little Leprechaun’

Little Leprechaun lettuce plants sport gorgeous variegated leaves of forest green tipped with burgundy. This type of lettuce is a Romaine, or cos lettuce, that is similar to Winter Density with a sweet core and crispy leaves. Little Leprechaun lettuce grows to between 6 and 12 inches (15-31 cm.) in height with Romaine’s stereotypical upright, slightly ruffled leaves.

How to Grow Little Leprechaun Lettuce Plants

Little Leprechaun is ready to harvest about 75 days from sowing. Seeds can be started from March to August. Sow seeds four to six weeks prior to the last frost date for your area. Plant the seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in moist medium in an area with temperatures at least 65 degrees F. (18 C.). When the seeds get their first set of leaves, thin them to 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm.) apart. When thinning, cut the seedlings with scissors so you don’t disturb the roots of adjacent seedlings. Keep the seedlings moist. Transplant the seedlings to a sunny locale in a raised bed or container with fertile, moist soil after all danger of frost has passed.

Little Leprechaun Plant Care

The soil should be kept moist, not sodden. Protect the lettuce from slugs, snails, and rabbits. To extend the harvest season, plant successive plantings. As with all lettuce, Little Leprechaun will bolt as summer temperatures rise.