Lollo Rosso
Lactuca sativa 'Lollo Rosso'
An Italian heirloom that brings European flair to the home garden with its spectacular burgundy-red frilly leaves and compact growth habit. This loose-leaf variety is prized by chefs worldwide for its beautiful appearance and slightly bitter, sophisticated flavor that adds complexity to salad mixes. The deeply curled leaves create an almost flower-like appearance, making it as ornamental as it is edible.
Harvest
50-65d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Lollo Rosso in USDA Zone 7
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Lollo Rosso · 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 Lollo Rosso immediately in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity. Properly stored leaves maintain quality for 7-10 days, though optimal flavor and texture last only 3-5 days.
Before storing, gently wash leaves in cold water, spin dry thoroughly, and wrap in slightly damp paper towels to prevent wilting. Never store wet leaves as this promotes rapid decay.
Lollo Rosso doesn't freeze or can well due to its delicate texture, but you can preserve it by making pesto or herb butter with the leaves, then freezing in ice cube trays. The leaves also work well in fermented mixed vegetable preparations where the bitter compounds add complexity. For immediate use, store harvested heads stem-down in shallow water like cut flowers for 2-3 days maximum.
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 taking up minimal space
Carrots
Different root depths prevent competition, carrots help loosen soil for lettuce
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space
Marigolds
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes that commonly attack lettuce
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can provide mutual shade in hot weather
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects that prey on lettuce pests like aphids
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and has similar water and nutrient requirements
Keep Apart
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce growth and germination
Broccoli
Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade out lettuce
Sunflowers
Allelopathic effects inhibit lettuce growth and tall plants create too much shade
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to bolting in cool weather
Common Pests
Aphids, slugs, snails, cabbage loopers
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, tipburn