How to Grow Red Frills
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Red Frills
Brassica rapa var. pekinensis
vegetableRed Frills is a decorative red leaf lettuce variety with deeply lobed, ruffled edges that create an ornamental, frilly appearance. It combines attractive visual appeal with a tender, mild flavor, making it popular for salads, garnishes, and edible landscaping. The leaves are naturally crisp and slightly sweet.
When should you plant Red Frills in your zone?
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Example Red Frills timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Frills
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 Red Frills
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Frills dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; cool-season crop best grown in spring and fall
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Seedling
7-10 daysSmall red-tinged leaves emerge with 2-3 true leaves visible. Plant appears delicate with thin stems.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
20-35 daysPlant develops multiple deeply lobed, ruffled leaves. Red coloration intensifies as temperature cools. Head becomes fuller and more ornamental.
Maintain consistent watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Monitor for pest activity.
Maturity
10-15 daysPlant reaches full size with dense, heavily frilled leaves forming a loose head. Peak red coloration is achieved, especially in cooler weather.
Continue regular watering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to slow bolting. Begin harvesting outer leaves if desired for extended harvest.
Harvest Ready
Extends 7-14 days with proper harvestingFull-sized plant with maximum frilly leaf development and vibrant red color. Interior leaves remain tender and crisp.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued leaf production. Cut leaves in morning after dew dries for crispest texture. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves.
Bolting
Occurs when temperatures exceed 75°F or after 60-70 daysPlant begins to flower, sending up a central flower stalk. Leaves become tougher and more bitter as plant transitions to seed production.
Once bolting begins, quality declines rapidly. Harvest remaining leaves immediately. Plant can be removed to make space for new crop.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; neem oil as last resort
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth; beer traps; remove garden debris where they hide
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Use row covers on seedlings; neem oil spray; encourage beneficial predators; plant trap crops like radishes nearby
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and
(Plutella xylostella)
Hand-pick caterpillars; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; row covers; encourage parasitic wasps
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with water or insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulches
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; fungicide spray if severe; resistant varieties
Uses
Salads & Garnish
CulinaryThe tender, mild red leaves are excellent in fresh salads, providing both flavor and striking visual appeal. Works beautifully as a garnish for platters, sandwiches, and composed dishes. [source]
Fresh Vegetable Dishes
CulinaryCan be lightly sautéed or steamed for a few minutes without losing its delicate texture and color. Pairs well with light vinaigrettes and creamy dressings. [source]
Edible Landscaping
HouseholdThe ornamental, deeply frilled red leaves make Red Frills an attractive addition to vegetable gardens, cottage gardens, and even ornamental borders. Combines food production with aesthetic appeal. [source]
Microgreens & Sprouts
CulinaryRed Frills seeds can be sprouted for nutrient-dense microgreens with the same attractive red coloration, useful in cooking and as garnish. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdIndividual frilly leaves can be used as decorative foliage in fresh flower arrangements and floral designs, adding texture and color. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 4-6 inches tall for extended picking, or cut entire head at soil level when fully mature. Harvest in early morning for maximum crispness. Red Frills can be harvested continuously as a 'cut-and-come-again' crop, removing outer leaves while allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Tender leaves are best used fresh within 1-2 days of harvest. Store in refrigerator crisper drawer in breathable bags for up to 7-10 days.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Frills develops deeper red coloration in cooler temperatures, with fall-grown lettuce often displaying more vibrant colors than spring crops. This color comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same antioxidants found in blueberries and red wine.
- 🌱 The deeply frilled leaf edges are not just for looks—the increased surface area provides more texture in salads and creates more surface area for dressing to cling to the leaves.
- 🌱 Red Frills is a cool-season crop that can tolerate light frosts, making it one of the hardiest lettuce varieties for early spring and late fall gardening.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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