Lettuce, Lollo Rosso

Lettuce, Lollo Rosso
(Lactuca sativa)

Lollo Rosso is a classic Italian heirloom lettuce prized for its intensely frilled burgundy leaves and delicate texture. This loose-leaf variety produces attractive rosettes with vibrant color and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Highly ornamental and productive, it is well suited to repeated cut-and-come-again harvesting throughout the cool growing season.

Key Characteristics

• Beautiful Deep Red Frilled Leaves
  Finely curled leaves form loose rosettes with rich burgundy-red color that intensifies in cool weather and bright sunlight. Adds striking texture and color to salad beds and fresh harvest baskets.
• Tender Texture & Mild Flavor
  Leaves are crisp and delicate with a mild, slightly nutty taste. Ideal for fresh salads, mixed greens, and garnish.
• Cut-and-Come-Again Harvests
  Plants produce abundant leaves that can be harvested repeatedly. Pick outer leaves while allowing the center to continue growing for extended production.
• Reliable Cool-Season Lettuce
  Performs best in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Consistent moisture helps maintain tender leaf quality and prolong harvest.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
• Native Range: Mediterranean (widely cultivated worldwide)
• Plant Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, fertile, well-drained
• Mature Height: 0.5–1 foot
• Bloom Time: June–July (if allowed to bolt)
• Bloom Color: Yellow
• Days to Maturity: ~45–55 days
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in zones 3–10

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or plant again in late summer for fall harvest. Maintain consistent soil moisture to encourage tender leaf development. Harvest outer leaves frequently to support continued growth. In permaculture systems, integrate lettuce into cool-season beds or beneath taller crops for partial shade.

Lollo Rosso Lettuce offers vibrant color, delicate texture, and steady harvests—an excellent heirloom lettuce for diverse salad gardens.