Contents
Description
Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa, also known as red coral lettuce, is a leafy vegetable that is commonly used in salads. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is known for its curly, red-tinted leaves. This plant is an annual and can grow up to 12 inches in height. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its decorative appearance and delicate taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lactuca |
Appearance
Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa has curly, red-tinted leaves that are slightly bitter in taste. The leaves grow in a loose head and can reach up to 12 inches in height. The plant is an annual and has a shallow root system. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow and bloom in the summer months.
Care Guide
To grow Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to plant it in the appropriate hardiness zones. This plant requires consistent watering to prevent the leaves from wilting. Fertilization should be done every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It can be grown in hardiness zones 2-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa is susceptible to pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by using natural predators such as ladybugs. Diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and lettuce mosaic virus can also affect this plant. Preventative measures such as crop rotation and proper spacing can help to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide. It is commonly grown in gardens, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems. This plant prefers a mild climate and can be grown year-round in some regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the shallow root system.
Q: How often should Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa be fertilized?
A: This plant should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa?
A: The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q: How do I harvest Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa?
A: This plant can be harvested by cutting the leaves at the base of the plant.
Related Plants
- Lactuca Sativa (Green Leaf Lettuce)
- Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa (Curly Leaf Lettuce)
- Lactuca Sativa Var. Capitata (Cabbage Lettuce)
- Lactuca Sativa Var. Longifolia (Romaine Lettuce)
References
- “Lactuca Sativa L.” Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
- “Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
- “Lactuca Sativa Var. Crispa Lollo Rossa.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Yankee Publishing, Inc. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
