How to Grow Lolla Rossa
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Lolla Rossa
Lactuca sativa var. crispa
vegetableLolla Rossa is a distinctive Italian loose-leaf lettuce variety with deeply lobed, frilly leaves that are green at the base and burgundy-red at the tips and edges. Its attractive appearance makes it popular for both culinary use and ornamental garden displays. The tender, slightly bitter leaves are excellent for salads and retain their crisp texture well.
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Example Lolla Rossa timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lolla Rossa
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lolla Rossa
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lolla Rossa dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cool seasons
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Get my Lolla Rossa timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge; seedlings are delicate and small (0.5-1 inch)
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain temperature 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop first true leaves.
Seedling/Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop multiple lobed leaves; plant becomes bushy with 4-6 leaves visible; characteristic red-tipped coloring begins to show
Water regularly and ensure consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Provide adequate light to prevent leggy growth. Protect from extreme heat.
Leaf Development
2-3 weeksPlant rapidly produces many deeply lobed, ruffled leaves; red coloring intensifies at leaf margins; plant reaches 8-10 inches in diameter
Continue consistent watering and feeding. Monitor for pests and diseases. Begin harvesting outer leaves if desired for continuous harvest.
Maturity/Harvest Ready
Until bolting (varies by temperature)Fully developed plant with abundant, vibrant burgundy-tipped foliage forming loose rosette; leaves are tender and crisp
Harvest regularly to encourage new leaf production. Provide shade cloth in very hot weather to prevent bolting. Continue watering consistently.
Bolting
Varies; accelerates in hot weatherPlant sends up central flower stalk; leaves become tougher and more bitter; plant prepares to flower and set seed
Plant is past prime eating stage. Allow to bolt if saving seeds, otherwise remove and replant with new seedlings for continuous harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; remove affected leaves; maintain plant health
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth around plants; encourage predatory beetles
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Crop rotation; use resistant varieties; avoid planting in infested soil; reflective mulches as deterrent
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; reflective row covers
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Row covers for young plants; neem oil; diatomaceous earth; trap crops like radish nearby
Uses
Salad Greens & Fresh Eating
CulinaryLolla Rossa's tender, slightly bitter leaves with attractive burgundy coloring make it a premium salad green. The frilly texture adds visual appeal and pleasant mouthfeel to mixed green salads, grain bowls, and plated dishes. [source]
Culinary Garnish
CulinaryThe distinctive lobed, deep-red edged leaves serve as an elegant garnish for plates, platters, and restaurant presentations. Its ornamental appearance enhances visual appeal while remaining entirely edible. [source]
Ornamental Garden Display
HouseholdWith its striking burgundy-red coloring and frilly leaf form, Lolla Rossa functions as an attractive ornamental plant for edible landscape gardens and potted arrangements. It adds color and texture while remaining productive. [source]
Low-Calorie Nutritious Food
MedicinalLike all lettuce varieties, Lolla Rossa is nutrient-dense and low in calories, providing vitamins A, K, and C along with beneficial phytonutrients. Its slight bitterness indicates the presence of beneficial plant compounds. [source]
Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower and bolt, Lolla Rossa provides nectar and pollen for pollinating insects and beneficial garden predators. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, cutting 1-2 inches above soil level to encourage continued growth (cut-and-come-again method). Harvest in morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. For full plant harvest, cut entire plant at soil level when mature. Best harvested before bolting occurs. In hot weather, harvest before afternoon heat sets in.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lolla Rossa is an Italian heirloom variety dating back centuries, with its name translating roughly to 'red curl' in Italian.
- 🌱 The deep red coloring in the leaf tips is produced by anthocyanin pigments, which intensify with exposure to cool temperatures and sunlight—the same compounds found in blueberries and red wine.
- 🌱 Lolla Rossa can be grown year-round in mild climates with proper planning, making it one of the most versatile lettuce varieties for succession planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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