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Lettuce · Lactuca sativa 'Lollo Rosso'

Lollo Rosso

Lollo Rosso: 50-65 days to harvest, 7-10 days to germinate, 6-8 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 2-11. Fruit runs to about Compact heads 6-8 inches across. Give it full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours) and 1 inch per week, consistent moisture water. It will crop in a container.

Lettuce
50-65days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks early. Plant in fall for winter harvest in mild climates.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep burgundy-red with green base
Size
Compact heads 6-8 inches across
Shape
Dense rosette of extremely frilly, curled leaves
Flavour
Mildly bitter with nutty undertones, tender texture

In the kitchen

Gourmet salads, mixed greens, garnish, restaurant presentations. Popular in mesclun mixes.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, slugs, snails, cabbage loopers
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, tipburn
Resistance
Moderate resistance to bolting in cool weather

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyJuly – September
2——May – JulyJuly – September
3——May – JuneJune – October
4——April – JuneJune – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayMay – November
7——March – MayMay – November
8——March – AprilApril – December
9——February – MarchMarch – December
10——January – MarchMarch – December
11——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
12——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
13——January – FebruaryFebruary – December

Companion planting

9 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while taking up minimal space
CarrotsDifferent root depths prevent competition, carrots help loosen soil for lettuce
RadishesQuick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space
MarigoldsRepel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes that commonly attack lettuce
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can provide mutual shade in hot weather
GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew
DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on lettuce pests like aphids
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and has similar water and nutrient requirements

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce growth and germination
BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade out lettuce
SunflowersAllelopathic effects inhibit lettuce growth and tall plants create too much shade

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
0.742
Fat (g)
0.0738
Carbohydrate (g)
3.37
Vitamin K (µg)
20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.0401
Calcium (mg)
14.2
Iron (mg)
0.0332
Magnesium (mg)
6.31
Phosphorus (mg)
19.2
Potassium (mg)
139
Zinc (mg)
0.173
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Other lettuce with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Lollo Rosso suits these too.

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