Lollo Rossa

Latin name: Lactuca sativa var. “Lollo Rossa”

🌱 Days to Sprout: 7-10

😋 Plant food: after true leaves 

✂️ Thin to: 1 plant per yCube

🍅 Days to Maturity: 40

💡 Light Zone: Moderate

📏 Plant Size: <1 ft

💚 Care Level: Beginner

The exact botanical origin of Lollo Rossa remains mysterious, but it’s thought to have originated from a wild species called Lactuca seriola that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is believed the Ancient Egyptians were the first to cultivate this domestic variety loved for its ruffled, burgundy leaves.

The dense, colorful leaves are tender, mild, and filled with nutrients including anthocyanins, vitamins A and C, folate, fiber, and iron.

Enjoy the leaves fresh as a base green in gourmet salads or as a bitter-free crunch in burgers and sandwiches.

💡Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures (60-70°F), and if placed in higher temperatures, it will turn bitter and bolt.

✂️ Pruning: Check the roots monthly and trim any that are brown or extending past the yPod. 

🥬 Harvest: For ongoing harvest, snip the outer leaves just above the base of the plant once they reach 2-3 inches tall to let the inner leaves continue to grow. Leave 1/3 of the plant if you want it to keep growing. To harvest the full head, wait until it reaches maturity, then harvest from the base.

Red & Green Salad with Nutty Vinaigrette

Recipe Source: Food & Wine

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons walnut oil

• 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• 3/4 pound Lollo Rossa baby greens (~12 cups)

• 1 ounce edible flowers such as Tatsoi, Nasturtiums, or Marigolds (optional)

Instructions

1. In a salad bowl, whisk the mustard and vinegar. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, followed by the walnut and hazelnut oils. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Add the greens and flowers, toss gently, and serve.

Our Plant Health & Nutrition Team thoroughly tests each variety we offer to bring you the most flavorful and high-quality plants. We regularly rotate our plant portfolio, so please note, availability varies.