Lollo Rossa

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Lollo Rossa unfurls into a velvet rosette of wine-red frills, the leaves crisp and tender with a gentle, sweet bite and a pleasantly mild edge.

Expect a loose, airy texture that stays beautifully fresh through the season, making it a standout for gardeners who love color as much as flavor. Grow this heirloom for bold, spoonable greens—ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, and equally lovely when tossed into quick sauces for a rosy, leafy finish.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 9th
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)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lollo Rossa eats like a soft-crisp curtain—tender but snappy, with sweetness that plays nicer with brighter dressings than sharp, heavy greens. Its loose-leaf shape makes it ideal for salads you want to stay airy, not soggy, and for fast wilts where it turns glossy without going dull.

Best Uses

tossed green salads with light vinaigrette so the frilly texture doesn’t collapse
layering onto sandwiches for crunch that still stays delicate
quick wilt into a rosy pan sauce where the leaves stay green-tender

Flavor Profile

gentle sweet bite tender, crisp frills mild, slightly nutty lettuce finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil goat cheese parmesan mustard grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems for Lactuca sativa (Lollo Rossa) and how do I treat them?

In home gardens, Lolla-type lettuce commonly suffers from aphids and slugs; aphids cluster on tender new growth and slugs chew irregular holes, often at night. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids and use insecticidal soap if they persist; for slugs, set beer traps or use a copper barrier around beds and remove hiding spots (boards, heavy mulch) near plants. Keep airflow good by thinning to recommended spacing—wet foliage that stays damp encourages leaf spot and downy mildew, so water at the soil line rather than overhead.

How often should I water Lollo Rossa during its main growth (about weeks 2–6)?

For Lactuca sativa, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist during the main growth phase—typically watering every 1–3 days depending on heat and wind. If leaves start to look limp or edges brown, increase frequency, but avoid waterlogging because soggy soil can worsen root and crown issues. Aim for deep, slow watering that wets the root zone instead of frequent splashes.

How can I tell when Lollo Rossa is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm and leaves are fully expanded, usually around 45 days from sowing, and before the center starts to stretch upward. You’ll know it’s time when the frilly leaves hold their shape and the plant isn’t getting noticeably taller or loose—lettuce that tips too far toward bolting will turn bitter quickly.