Lollo Rossa

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Planting Schedule

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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

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Lollo Rossa Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	May 11th	Jun 1st	Jul 16th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	May 4th	May 25th	Jul 9th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jun 29th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jun 29th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 28th	May 19th	Jul 3rd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jun 29th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 22nd	May 13th	Jun 27th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 17th	May 8th	Jun 22nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 13th	May 4th	Jun 18th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 10th	May 1st	Jun 15th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Apr 4th	Apr 25th	Jun 9th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 30th	Apr 20th	Jun 4th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 20th	Apr 10th	May 25th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 11th	Apr 1st	May 16th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Mar 2nd	Mar 23rd	May 7th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 13th	Mar 6th	Apr 20th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 19th	Feb 9th	Mar 26th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th

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.