Lollo Rosso Red Lettuce

200 Seeds

Lollo Rosso is a loose-leaf lettuce with attractive, deeply frilled leaves that develop green centers and reddish-purple edges. It is a fast-growing, tender lettuce ideal for salads, sandwiches, garnishing, and baby-leaf harvesting. Compared with Iceberg, it does not form a dense head and is particularly well suited to repeated harvesting.

Best Planting Time

• October to February — best period for most Gulf areas.
• In cooler Gulf locations, sowing can continue into March.
• Avoid the hot summer months because high temperatures cause bitterness and premature bolting.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Lettuce seeds are very small and need light to germinate.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy loam soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.0

Sowing Method

• Sow directly into prepared beds or use seed trays.
• Sow seeds only 0.3–0.5 cm deep.
• Cover with a very thin layer of fine soil.
• Keep the surface evenly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings when they have 3–4 true leaves, usually after 3–4 weeks.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 15–21°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–24°C
• Provide 5–7 hours of sunlight daily.
• In warmer Gulf conditions, provide 30–40% shade during the afternoon.
• Avoid exposing seedlings to intense midday heat.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water when the upper 1–2 cm starts to dry.
• During warmer weather, check moisture daily.
• Water early in the morning.
• Consistent moisture helps maintain tender, sweet leaves.

Germination Time

• 4–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 20–30 cm between plants for mature loose-leaf plants.
• 25–35 cm between rows.
• For baby-leaf production, plants can be grown closer together.

Harvest

• Baby leaves can be harvested approximately 25–35 days after sowing.
• Mature leaves can usually be harvested from around 40–60 days, depending on conditions.
• Harvest the outer leaves first and leave the center growing point intact for continued production.
• Alternatively, cut the whole plant about 2–3 cm above the soil for a single harvest.
• Harvest in the early morning for maximum crispness.

Fertilization

• Add compost before sowing.
• Apply a mild balanced fertilizer approximately 2–3 weeks after planting.
• Feed lightly every 2–3 weeks if plants are being repeatedly harvested.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can produce soft, overly lush growth.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Cool temperatures are essential for the best flavor and color.
• Use 30–40% shade cloth during warm periods.
• Mulch lightly around plants to keep the root zone cool.
• Avoid letting the soil dry completely.
• Provide good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
• Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, thrips, caterpillars, and slugs/snails.
• If the plant produces a tall central flower stalk, it is bolting; harvest the leaves immediately.