Bijou

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Tender, jewel-toned leaves unfurl with a crisp, water-bright snap—Bijou loose-leaf lettuce brings a fresh, sweet-green flavor that feels clean and lively from the first handful.

The foliage forms an airy rosette of finely textured, delicately ruffled leaves, delivering a pleasantly buttery bite without heaviness. Grow Bijou for salads and quick tosses, or for vibrant garnishes that add color and crunch to greens-forward plates.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bijou loose-leaf stays tender while still delivering that cool, water-snap—great for salads that need crunch without bulk. It’s built for citrusy dressings and salty cheeses, where its sweet-green flavor reads clean instead of watery.

Best Uses

quick-toss salads where the leaves stay crisp
greens-forward plates with a light vinaigrette that clings to ruffles
layered sandwiches for crunchy texture without heaviness
colorful garnish for composed bowls and ceviche-style dishes

Flavor Profile

water-bright sweetness buttery, lightly nutty bite tender crisp snap clean, leafy finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette aged cheddar feta hard-boiled egg grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Lollo Rossa/Bijou), and how do I manage it?

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is especially prone to downy mildew and aphids, and dense, cool-wet conditions can trigger rapid mildew spread. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the base, then remove heavily affected leaves; for aphids, spray plants with a strong stream of water and repeat every 2–3 days for a week to dislodge them.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase for best head/leaf quality?

During active growth (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy, aiming for the top 1 inch to stay damp. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and increase to more frequent light watering only if the soil dries out quickly—lettuce that dries and re-wets repeatedly tends to get bitter and go to seed early.

How can I tell when Bijou (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 50 days from sowing when leaves are fully formed and tender, with each plant reaching its typical rosette size for Lollo Rossa. Pick in the morning and look for crisp texture—if leaves start to look elongated or the plant begins stretching upward, harvest immediately before it turns bitter or bolts.