This neat little lettuce holds itself in a rounded mound shape like a perfectly pruned topiary. Leaves are ruby red-tinged, fading to pale green in the center, with lovely ruffled edges. The Lollo Rossa Lettuce could be considered an ornamental for borders and edges, but its mild flavor and colorful frilliness make it an exciting salad lettuce.

300 seeds

PLANTING

Lactuca sativa

Germination:4-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 60-75F. Soil above 75F. inhibits germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: inch deep

Outside Sowing:Spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 50F. Sow 1 apart, thin to 6-12, depending on the size of lettuce you want, baby to full heads. Keep soil moist during germination. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a longer harvest period. Sow heavy seeded rows every 10-14 days for baby greens using 1 oz. Pinetree Lettuce Mix.

Starting Indoors:3-4 weeks before planting outside.Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot, thinning to one per cell/pot. Provide 60-70 F. soil temperatures. Transplant out, 8-12 apart in rows 12 apart.

How much does a packet plant:25-footsingle row

Harvest:Cut whole heads at the base or snipe off individual leaves.

Tips:The Lollo Rossa Lettuce needs fertile soil for optimum growth. Work in compost or well-rotted manure into your soil before planting. Provide adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.