Lollo Blondo

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Lollo Blondo unfolds in a soft, airy rosette of warm-golden green leaves, their finely ruffled edges catching light like lace.

Tender and pleasantly sweet, with a crisp, springy bite, this heirloom loose-leaf forms a generous harvest in about 45 days—ideal for gardeners who love beauty as much as flavor. Lollo Blondo shines in fresh salads and as a delicate, leafy base for vibrant greens blends, its frilliness holding texture beautifully in every bowl.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lollo Blondo’s loose, airy frills are all about that delicate, springy crunch—dress it lightly and it won’t collapse into wet shreds. It’s the lettuce you choose when you want sweet-green tenderness to stay crisp even after a brief toss.

Best Uses

toss with a quick vinaigrette so the frilly leaves stay crisp
use as a soft-crunch base for shaved add-ins and warm toppings
layer in sandwiches/wraps where you want lift without heavy bitterness
finish bowls with a squeeze of citrus to wake up the sweetness

Flavor Profile

tender, pleasantly sweet leaf fine, ruffled crunch with a springy bite light, fresh green character

Kitchen Pairings

lemon extra-virgin olive oil parmesan shaved prosciutto crusty bread croutons radicchio

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Lollo Blondo), and how can I manage it?

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is often hit by aphids and downy mildew, especially when plants stay damp and crowded. Check the undersides of leaves every few days and spray aphids off with a strong water jet, then remove heavily infested leaves. For downy mildew, improve airflow by thinning to proper spacing, water at soil level (not overhead), and remove any yellowing or fuzzy/gray leaf patches to slow spread.

How often should I water Lollo Blondo during the main growing phase?

During the main growth period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist so the leaves grow fast and stay tender—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for rain and heat. In warm weather, this often means watering 2–3 times per week rather than one deep soak. Let the top 1 inch of soil lightly dry between waterings to prevent soggy conditions that encourage mildew, but don’t let the plant fully dry out or it can turn bitter and bolt early.

How do I tell when Lollo Blondo is ready to harvest?

Harvest Lactuca sativa around 45 days from sowing when the rosettes have formed full, crisp leaves and reach the size typical for your bed. For best flavor, pick in the morning when the leaves are turgid and before heat triggers bitterness or bolting. If heads are loose (as in leaf lettuces), start harvesting outer leaves when they’re large enough, leaving the center to continue producing.