Kings Lettuce Tom Thumb Seeds

Tom Thumb is a very quick maturing variety, producing small but very solid heads with terrific flavour and nice texture. Sow early under cover and up to June only. Lettuce is one of the staple ingredients in a crispy, fresh summer salad. So what could be better than growing your very own lettuce to add to your tasty salads. When to Sow: End of February to July. Where to Sow: Sowings can be made underglass, sow seeds into pots or trays of seed sowing compost at a temperature of 15-20°C and lightly cover seeds with sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Alternatively sow seeds from April thinly along rows 1.5cm (1/2in) deep and 30cm (12in) apart direct in the vegetable plot. What to do next: Sowings made under glass can be pricked out into individual pots or module trays and grown on until ready to harden off and plant out into the vegetable plot 30cm (12in) apart between the plants and the rows. Seedlings sown direct outside can be thinned once large enough to handle to 30cm (12in) apart. Thinnings can also be transplanted into other rows, watered in well during hot dry spells. Harvest: 10-12 weeks after sowing. Handy Tip: If short of space, the attractive red foliage can look just as good planted in a flower border. Nutritional Value: Lettuce is high in anti-oxidants, folic acid and vitamin C.