120days to harvest

7-10 daysdays to germinate

Z3–8USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow in late summer for fall harvest (North) or in fall for winter/spring harvest (South); not suitable for spring planting

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Moderate — regular watering
Soil: Well-drained loam, moderate fertility
Spacing: 10-12 inches
Height: 3-4 feet
Season: Summer

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Pink to dark red ribs on green leaves
Shape: Loose to semi-loose head, tender crinkled leaves
Flavour: Mild, tender, and delicate flavor with crisp texture typical of butterhead lettuce types.

In the kitchen

Fresh salads, garnish, mixed greens

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails
Diseases: Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	October – September
2	—	—	May – July	September
3	—	—	May – June	September – October
4	—	—	April – June	August – October
5	—	—	April – May	August – November
6	—	—	April – May	August – November
7	—	—	March – May	July – November
8	—	—	March – April	July – December
9	—	—	February – March	June – December
10	—	—	January – March	May – December
11	—	—	January – February	April – December
12	—	—	January – February	April – December
13	—	—	January – February	April – December

Companion planting

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

BasilRepels aphids and whiteflies while improving lettuce flavor

ChivesDeters aphids and slugs with strong scent compounds

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, maximizes space

RadishesQuick harvest breaks soil for lettuce and repels flea beetles

MarigoldsNatural pest deterrent against nematodes and aphids

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and helps maximize cool-season garden space

GarlicStrong scent repels aphids, slugs, and other soft-bodied pests

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Avoid

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce germination and growth

BroccoliLarge leaves create excessive shade and compete for nutrients

SunflowersAllelopathic effects suppress lettuce growth and development

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.

Luna Rossa