How to Grow Lolla Rossa
Lactuca sativa 'Lolla Rossa'
Lolla Rossa is a beloved heirloom lettuce known for its compact rosette shape and vibrant purple-red leaves that turn green as they mature. Gardeners prize this cool-season crop not only for its unique color but also for its sweet, nutty flavor and exceptional resistance to common issues like bolting and tip burn.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Lolla Rossa: indoors or direct sow?
🏠 Start indoors 4 weeks before your last spring frost, then move the seedlings outside.
You can start seeds indoors two weeks before your last frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors once they are sturdy enough to handle cooler temperatures.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow seeds directly outdoors or start indoors 2-6 weeks before your last spring frost date, as this cool-season crop tolerates light frosts. Press seeds gently into the soil surface at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Expect germination to occur within 7 to 10 days under consistent moisture.
Space plants 8 to 10 inches apart in rows to ensure proper air circulation and head formation. While no support or trellising is needed for this low-growing variety, maintain consistent moisture by providing about 1 inch of water weekly. Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds without touching the leaves.
Monitor closely for aphids, slugs, flea beetles, and cutworms; use row covers or hand-pick pests early. Prevent downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, and bottom rot by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest the tender leaves or whole heads approximately 50 to 55 days after sowing when the plant reaches its full potential size.
When to Plant Lolla Rossa
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | June – July | July – September |
| Zone 2 | — | May – July | July – September |
| 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 |
| Zone 11 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 12 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 13 | — | January – February | February – December |
Companion Plants for Lolla Rossa
✓ Good companions
Minimal root competition and helps loosen soil without competing for space
Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest deterrent
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control aphids
Natural fungicide properties and repels aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms
Deters nematodes, aphids, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while deterring pests from lettuce
Breaks up soil for lettuce roots and deters flea beetles and aphids
Similar growing requirements and helps maximize garden space efficiency
✗ Keep away from
Competes heavily for nutrients and can shade lettuce, stunting growth
Can attract carrot flies and may compete for similar soil nutrients
Allelopathic effects inhibit lettuce germination and growth, plus creates excessive shade
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
