Description

The miniature heirloom that proves good things come in small heads. Lactuca sativa ‘Tom Thumb’—also known as Dwarf Bibb—is a charming, compact butterhead lettuce forming perfect, tennis ball–sized heads of tender, buttery leaves. The outer leaves are pale green with a delicate blush at the tips, wrapping around a creamy yellow heart that melts on the tongue.

Each head grows only 4–5 inches across, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, and succession planting. Its crisp yet velvety texture lends itself beautifully to single-serving salads or fresh wraps. Despite its dainty size, ‘Tom Thumb’ stands up well to cool spring and autumn weather, maintaining sweetness even after light frost.

First recorded in England in the mid-1800s, ‘Tom Thumb’ became a Victorian favorite for its refined flavor and perfectly proportioned heads fit for table presentation. Today it remains a gardener’s delight—an old-world lettuce that captures the essence of heirloom charm, culinary elegance, and practicality in one small, perfect package.