SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Bijou

Lettuce
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Bijou to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Bijou
50d to harvest

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.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Grow Bijou like a cool-season crop—keep it from overheating to avoid bitterness and bolting.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 20th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)5

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Bijou in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Bijou.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Recommended Companions

Carlo Carrot
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Candy Onion
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Red Round Radish
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Staro Chive
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Red Globe Radish
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Carson Hybrid Carrot
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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.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Grow Bijou like a cool-season crop—keep it from overheating to avoid bitterness and bolting.

Botanical illustration of Bijou

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.