Claire Jones attempting world record for tallest gem lettuce

Claire's daughter Amber Jones with the tall Little Gem lettuce

Claire Jones, from Smithybridge, has found herself embarking on a world record attempt after a Little Gem lettuce she grew reached over 70cm tall.

Claire, who has been growing her own vegetables for the past year noticed that a few of her lettuces were looking taller than usual.

She said: “I just decided to grow some lettuces and then noticed that some of them were taller than the others.”

The lettuce is currently 72cm high - Little Gem lettuces usually reach a height of 22cm from root ball to tip.

Based on this, Claire has now decided to contact the Guinness Book of World Records to see if she holds the record for the tallest Little Gem lettuce.

She added: “This was never something I set out to do but I thought I might as well get in touch with them and see what they say.”

Claire doesn't know exactly why this lettuce has grown taller than the others, but believes it could be down to the manure used with the planting process.

She added: “The unusual growth may be down to the manure I received from my friend Carol Oliver's horse, Izzie.” 

There currently is not a known record for the tallest Little Gem lettuce so Claire feels confident that she is in with a chance of securing the record.

“I haven’t been able to find the record so I don’t see why I wouldn’t be in with a shot,” said Claire.

Claire has contacted the Guinness Book of World Records and has been informed that she may have to wait up to 12 weeks for a response.