‘Lolla Rosa’ Red Frilly Lettuce  is a Italian loose leaf variety. This variety that does not form a head but an open rosette with frilly and curled leaves that are light green in the center and transition to a deep red-maroon around the edges with that are crispy and tender with a sweet and mild, nutty flavor.

Difficulty: Easy

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil

Sowing: Spring or Autumn

Germination: 8-11 days

Harvesting: 30 to 50 days

Position: Partial Shade

Spacing: 20 – 30 cm apart

Sow Depth: 2-3mm deep then cover with only a thin layer of soil as lettuce seeds need light to germinate.

Size: 15-20 cm Ø

Growing notes:

The key to tender and tasty lettuce is rapid growth. Keep the soil moist and warm during germination. It grows best in moist, well-draining soil and will benefit from adding organic matter to help boost the growth. Mulching can help retain the moisture in the soil since the shallow root system of lettuce does not absorb moisture and soil nutrients very well. Can resist some heat and frost, but may turn bitter if grown in extremely cold conditions, and may prematurely bolt in very high temperatures. Water when the soil is dry, ideally early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Harvest on a cut-and-come-again basis picking individual leaves from the outside inwards, and the lettuce will keep producing leaves for three to four months.

Uses:

Lolla Rosa Lettuce contains iron, antioxidants, fiber, folate, vitamin A, and C.

It is most commonly incorporated fresh into salads and sandwiches. It’s curly edges have the ability to catch and hold salad dressings.