Lettuce Lollo
Lettuce Lollo Mixed
A mixture of extremely attractive and tender lettuce leaves. Containing the two best known Italian varieties; lettuce lollo rossa which has richly coloured dark red leaves and lollo bionda which has bright apple green leaves. Non-hearting lettuces such as these are perfect for repeat sowings through the summer months and extended cut-and-come-again harvests. They are an ideal type of lettuce for small spaces, patio pots and containers.
Growing Advice
Sow Indoors
Lettuces should be sown outdoors, directly where they are to grow.
Sow Outdoors
Sow outdoors March to August. Sow thinly 1.5cm deep directly where they are to grow, in rows spaced 25cm apart or in large patio pots. Keep the soil moist and weed free at all times. Seedlings should start to appear approximately 7-14 days. Thin seedlings out to a final spacing of 15cm apart. It is good practice to water well after thinning out, to wash any dislodged soil back around the roots of the remaining plants. Sow a new row every 2-3 weeks to extend your harvest period. Early sowings will benefit from cloche protection in cold weather.
Top Tips About Seeds
Once the seed packet has been opened, the seeds can be stored in an airtight container until required for further sowings. Lettuce seeds maintain their vigour for quite a few years and although there are lots of seeds in a packet, repeated sowings through the summer is highly recommended so they are unlikely to last more than one season
Growing in Containers
Can easily be grown in large patio tubs or containers. Especially if just grown for baby leaves. Be sure to keep the compost moist at all times.
Common Problems
Plants can bolt, stopping the growth of leaves and running to seed too early, if stressed by drought or by extremely hot weather, especially if grown in exposed locations. Grow in a sheltered location and ensure the compost or soil is kept moist at all times.
Harvest
Harvest from May to October. Leaves can be picked at any stage, from baby leaves to mature plants. Pick a few leaves from each plant and they will regrow quickly without stressing the plants too much. This will allow for a good number of regular harvests. Alternatively pick whole plants as required.
Ideas on how to use your Lettuce Lollo
When thinning out just take alternate plants as they start to get overcrowded, allowing the remainder to grow on. These thinnings can then be used as baby leaves. Thin to just 5cm apart if growing space is limited and only baby leaves are required. When picking lettuces or lettuce leaves it is best done in the cool of the morning or evening, this is when they are at their best and least likely to be limp.
