Lollo Rosso Darky

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Velvety rosettes of Lollo Rosso Darky unfurl in a dramatic, wine-dark palette—deep burgundy leaves with a faint, silken sheen that looks almost lacquered in the garden light.

The flavor is pleasantly tangy and sweet, with a tender, ruffled texture that stays crisp and lively from first harvest through repeat cuttings. Ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, its bold color makes every bowl look freshly dressed with color and character.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Lollo Rosso Darky

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)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lollo Rosso Darky brings a tangy-sweet flavor with a delicate, ruffled crunch that holds up for repeat handfuls—no mushy lettuce sadness. Its faint bitterness loves bright acid and salty finishes, so it really sings with lemon, aged cheese, and cured meat rather than heavy creamy dressings.

Best Uses

tossed salads where the leaves stay crisp after dressing
fresh, no-cook bowls topped with warm proteins
burger/flatbread lift-leaves that add texture without watering down
garnish duty for color—especially with vinaigrettes and citrus

Flavor Profile

tangy-sweet bite tender ruffled crunch slight herbal bitterness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette goat cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano balsamic vinegar extra-virgin olive oil prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Lollo Rosso Darky), and how can I control it?

Lettuce commonly suffers from aphids and downy mildew (a fast-moving fungal issue in cool, damp weather). Rinse plants with a strong spray of water to knock off aphids, then remove heavily infested leaves and keep airflow by thinning so the frills dry quickly. For downy mildew, avoid overhead watering, water at soil level, and remove infected leaves immediately to prevent spread.

How often should I water Lollo Rosso Darky during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture should I aim for?

During the ~45-day growth to harvest, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for damp-to-the-touch top 1 inch without letting it stay soggy. In warm weather, this often means watering about 1–3 times per week, but only when the top inch begins to dry; in cooler conditions, you may need less. If lettuce dries too much and then gets a sudden soaking, it can turn bitter and slow growth, so maintain steady moisture.

How do I tell when Lollo Rosso Darky is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the rosettes are full-sized for the variety and the leaves feel tender rather than tough, typically around 45 days from sowing. Look for frilly outer leaves that are at least several inches long with good color, and pick by cutting the whole rosette near the soil line. If you harvest in the cool part of the day, the leaves stay crisp longer.