Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Stella Rosa — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Stella Rosa
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

115days to harvest

7-10 daysdays to germinate

Z3–8USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplant date or direct sow outdoors in late summer; transplant in early/mid-August (Maine) to late August/early September (mild regions)

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Moderate — regular watering
Soil: Well-drained loam enriched with compost; neutral to slightly acidic pH
Spacing: 8-10 inches
Height: 3-4 feet
Season: Summer

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Pink with white ribs
Shape: Compact, dense, savoy-textured head
Flavour: Mild, slightly sweet lettuce flavor with tender texture; the drama is visual rather than bold in taste

In the kitchen

Salads, garnish, whole head presentation, mixed greens

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Slugs, aphids, leaf hoppers
Diseases: Bolting (excellent resistance), tipburn (excellent resistance), downy mildew, gray mold in high humidity

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

ChivesRepels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while taking minimal space

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, helps loosen soil

RadishesQuick-growing, helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space

MarigoldsRepels nematodes, aphids, and other pests that damage lettuce

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can provide partial shade in hot weather

GarlicNatural pest deterrent, repels aphids and slugs that commonly attack lettuce

NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial insects

DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that control lettuce pests

Avoid

BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade out lettuce

SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

CeleryCompetes for similar nutrients and space, both prefer cool moist conditions

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

← PreviousDash Next →Little Shanghai

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

Stella Rosa

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Stella Rosa?

Similar varieties