Lactuca sativa 'Lollo Rossa'
vegetableAn Italian loose-leaf lettuce with deeply frilled, curly leaves shading from bright green at the base to deep burgundy-red at the tips. Mildly bitter flavor that adds complexity to salad mixes. One of the most beautiful and ornamental lettuces available, often used as a border plant. Slow to bolt compared to many colorful varieties.
Sun
partial shade
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~55 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
8-10 in
Planting Depth
1/8 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, moist
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting with balanced fertilizer; light nitrogen side-dress every 3 to 4 weeks
Fertilizer
Balanced granular or fish emulsion at moderate rate
Direct sow 4 to 6 weeks before last frost or start fall plantings 6 weeks before first frost. Sow shallowly. Lettuce needs light for germination. Thin to 8 to 10 inches for full heads. In summer, plant under taller crops for afternoon shade to slow bolting. Water consistently to prevent bitterness. Grows well in containers.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 25
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
May 26
fall planting
Direct sow
Aug 11
Projected first harvest
Oct 5
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Check inner leaf folds where aphids hide; water blast; insecticidal soap
Beer traps; diatomaceous earth; copper tape on container edges; handpick at night
Row cover on seedlings; reflective silver mulch
Inner-leaf calcium deficiency from heat stress; consistent watering and good airflow
Harvest outer leaves when 4 to 6 inches long for cut-and-come-again production. Full heads are ready when 8 to 10 inches across. Best flavor in cool weather. Warm-season plants may become bitter. Wash in cold water and dry thoroughly before storing in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Good source of vitamins A and K, folate, and potassium. Deep red-burgundy frills contain higher anthocyanin antioxidant levels than green lettuce varieties. Very low in calories.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting