Lolla Rossa
Lactuca sativa 'Lolla Rossa'
A stunning Italian heirloom loose-leaf lettuce that transforms any garden into a work of art with its deeply frilled, burgundy-red edges fading to bright green centers. This heat-tolerant beauty maintains excellent flavor even in warm weather, making it perfect for extended harvests. The dramatic color and texture make it as valuable for ornamental plantings as it is for the salad bowl.
Harvest
50-55d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Lolla Rossa in USDA Zone 7
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Lolla Rossa · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | March – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | March – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: 'Allstar Mix', 'Bibb', 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', 'Green Oakleaf', 'Ithaca', 'Jericho', Lactuca sativa var. augustana ('Celtuce'), 'New Red Fire', 'Pennlake', 'Red Sails', 'Salinas'. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Tiny seeds with a dandelion-like tuft (pappus) to aid in wind dispersal.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
Storage & Preservation
Store freshly harvested Lolla Rossa immediately in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-36°F with high humidity (95-98%). Properly stored leaves maintain quality for 7-10 days, though the burgundy edges may fade slightly over time.
For maximum freshness, wrap unwashed leaves in damp paper towels before bagging. Never store near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or tomatoes, which cause rapid deterioration.
While freezing destroys the crisp texture, you can preserve Lolla Rossa by dehydrating young leaves at 95°F for 6-8 hours to create colorful garnish flakes. The variety also works well for microgreen production—harvest seedlings at 1-2 inches for intense flavor and color that maintains better than mature leaves when stored.
History & Origin
Origin: Mediterranean to Siberia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Chives
Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest deterrent
Marigolds
Deters nematodes, aphids, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
Radishes
Breaks up soil for lettuce roots and deters flea beetles and aphids
Carrots
Minimal root competition and helps loosen soil without competing for space
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties and repels aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while deterring pests from lettuce
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and helps maximize garden space efficiency
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control aphids
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes heavily for nutrients and can shade lettuce, stunting growth
Parsley
Can attract carrot flies and may compete for similar soil nutrients
Sunflowers
Allelopathic effects inhibit lettuce germination and growth, plus creates excessive shade
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to bolting and tip burn
Common Pests
Aphids, slugs, flea beetles, cutworms
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, bottom rot