🌱 How to Grow Lettuce Lollo Rosso from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: लेट्यूस लोला रोसो

• Tamil: லெட்டியூஸ் லொல்லோ ரொஸ்ஸோ

• Telugu: లెట్యూస్ లోలో రోసో

• Malayalam: ലെറ്റ്യൂസ് ലോളോ റോസ്സോ

• Kannada: ಲೆಟ್ಯೂಸ್ ಲೊಲೊ ರೊಸ್ಸೋ

• English: Lettuce Lollo Rosso

• Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa var. crispa

1. 🌤️ Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season leafy vegetable

• Best time to sow:

  • North India: Oct–Feb

  • South India: Aug–Feb (cooler months)

• Ideal Temperature: 10°C–22°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained, rich, and loose loamy soil

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in organic compost, vermicompost, and a handful of wood ash for better flavor

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Depth: Sprinkle on the surface and cover very lightly with soil or cocopeat

• Spacing:

  • In-ground: 6–8 inches between plants

  • Containers: 8–12 inch deep pots or grow bags

• Mist or water gently after sowing

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during germination

• Avoid overwatering – water early in the day

• Use mulch to retain soil moisture

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–10 days

• Requires cool and bright conditions

• Thin out seedlings if overcrowded

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Prefers cooler conditions; shade during hot afternoons in summer zones

• Bolts quickly in high heat — keep soil cool with mulch

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Apply organic compost every 2 weeks

• Use leafy green booster like compost tea or diluted seaweed extract

• Avoid heavy nitrogen — it may lead to loose, bitter leaves

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Aphids, slugs, snails

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 10 days

• Water at base to prevent mildew and rot

9. 🌿 Harvesting

• Ready in 40–55 days after sowing

• Cut outer leaves or harvest whole rosette just above base

• Frequent harvesting encourages new tender growth

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Let a few plants mature and bolt (flower)

• Collect and dry the tiny seeds from the seed head

• Store in a dry, airtight container for future use

🥗 Health Benefits of Lollo Rosso Lettuce

• High in antioxidants (especially red/purple pigments)

• Supports heart and liver health

• Promotes hydration and digestion

• Low-calorie – excellent for weight management

• Contains vitamins A, K, and folate