Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe

Lettuce "Lollo Rossa" Hybrid Seeds by Omaxe (Lactuca sativa) produce a beautiful loose-leaf lettuce with frilled, deeply burgundy-red leaves and a delicate, mild flavour. Available at Souq Garden, these premium hybrid seeds are perfect for UAE kitchen gardens looking to add colour, texture and gourmet appeal to salads in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and across the Emirates.

Why Lollo Rossa Thrives in the UAE

Lollo Rossa is a cool-season, loose-leaf lettuce that performs beautifully in UAE winters from October to March. It does not form a head, so it grows quickly, can be harvested as cut-and-come-again, and tolerates light shade. Ideal for raised beds, large pots and balcony herb gardens in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

Key Features and Specifications

• Botanical name: Lactuca sativa
• Brand: Omaxe
• Variety: Lollo Rossa hybrid — frilled, red loose-leaf lettuce
• Germination: 5 to 10 days
• Days to harvest: 45 to 60 days
• Plant size: Loose rosette, 20 to 25 cm wide
• Leaf colour: Deep burgundy red with green base
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, well-draining loam, pH 6.0 to 7.0
• Best sowing season in UAE: October to March

Care Guide

Sowing

Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in trays or directly in beds. Transplant when seedlings have 4 true leaves, spacing 20 to 25 cm apart.

Light

Full sun in cool months; light afternoon shade as temperatures climb in spring. The frilled red leaves develop richer colour in bright light.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch helps regulate temperature and conserve water.

Feeding

Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser for fast leafy growth.

Cut-and-Come-Again

Harvest outer leaves regularly when 10 to 15 cm long, leaving the centre to keep producing. Plants can supply harvests for 6 to 8 weeks.

Best Uses

• Gourmet mixed salads with vibrant colour contrast
• Garnish for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern plates
• Decorative element in food photography and styling
• Cafe and restaurant kitchen gardens
• Container gardens on Dubai and Abu Dhabi balconies

Common Problems and Solutions

• Bolting: Sow early in the season and provide shade as temperatures rise.
• Pale colour: Insufficient light — move to brighter spot for deeper red pigment.
• Bitter taste: Heat or under-watering. Maintain cool, moist growing conditions.
• Aphids: Spray with water or neem oil.

Why Buy from Souq Garden

Souq Garden ships premium Omaxe Lollo Rossa hybrid lettuce seeds across the UAE with same-day delivery in Dubai and next-day delivery to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. Every pack is freshness-checked and supported by our expert UAE gardening team.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lollo Rossa in the UAE?

October through March is ideal. It is more cold-tolerant than heat-tolerant.

How long until harvest?

Outer leaves can be picked from 30 days; full mature rosettes form by 45 to 60 days.

Can I grow it in pots?

Yes — a 20 cm pot suits one plant; larger pots can host 2 to 3 plants for an attractive salad bowl display.

Why aren’t my leaves turning red?

Lollo Rossa needs strong sunlight to develop its signature deep burgundy colour. Move to a brighter location.

Is it heat-tolerant?

Like most lettuces, it bolts in heat. Grow during cool UAE months for best results.

How do I harvest cut-and-come-again?

Pick the outer leaves when 10 to 15 cm long, leaving the centre crown intact to keep producing.

Seasonal Care Calendar for the UAE

The UAE's climate divides into four distinct gardening windows. Each one calls for different watering, feeding, and placement choices for your Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Ain.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the most active growth window in the UAE. Daytime temperatures sit between 25°C and 35°C, and humidity remains moderate. This is the right time to repot, prune, and start a regular feeding schedule using a balanced fertiliser from our plant food and fertiliser range. Move container plants from sheltered winter spots into morning sunlight, and water deeply two to three times a week.

Summer (June to September)

Summer in the UAE pushes temperatures above 45°C, and direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves within hours. Shift your Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe to filtered light, increase watering frequency (early morning and after sunset), and consider 50% shade netting on rooftop and balcony gardens in Dubai Marina, Al Reem Island, and Al Nahda. Mulch heavily to slow evaporation, and avoid heavy pruning until temperatures drop.

Autumn (October to November)

Autumn brings relief and a second growth flush. Resume monthly feeding, refresh topsoil, and inspect for pests that built up during summer. This is the best window to introduce new plants from our plant seeds collection because cooler nights help roots establish quickly.

Winter (December to February)

UAE winters are mild (15°C to 25°C) but dew, fog, and occasional rain affect Sharjah, Al Ain, and the Hajar Mountain foothills more than coastal Dubai. Reduce watering by roughly 40%, pause fertilising for tropical varieties, and move sensitive species closer to walls that radiate stored daytime warmth.

Germination Tips for UAE Growers

Seeds sown in the UAE perform best when nighttime temperatures stay between 18°C and 28°C, which usually means the October-to-March planting window. For Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for six to eight hours before sowing to break dormancy. Use a light seed-starting mix (coco peat blended with perlite at a 3:1 ratio) and sow at a depth roughly twice the seed's diameter. Cover the tray with cling film or a humidity dome to maintain 70% relative humidity until the first shoots appear.

Place trays in a bright, shaded spot on a Dubai balcony or Sharjah windowsill that receives indirect light. Avoid direct UAE sun on freshly sown trays — surface temperatures climb above 50°C and will cook the seeds. Bottom-water with a saucer to prevent dislodging the seeds, and switch to a half-strength liquid feed from our fertiliser collection once true leaves develop.

Transplanting and Hardening Off

Once seedlings reach 8-10 cm with at least four true leaves, harden them off by moving the tray outdoors for two hours daily, increasing exposure over a week. Transplant into the larger containers from our pots and planters range, using a UAE-friendly potting mix enriched with compost. Water immediately after transplanting and shade for 48 hours.

Common Problems and Solutions in UAE Conditions

Leaf Yellowing

Yellowing leaves on Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe most often signal overwatering or salt build-up from UAE tap water. Allow the top 3-5 cm of soil to dry between waterings, and flush containers monthly with a deep slow watering to wash out accumulated salts. Yellowing during winter usually indicates cold draft exposure or dormancy — normal and recoverable.

Brown Leaf Tips

Crispy brown tips point to low humidity, common in air-conditioned UAE homes during summer. Group plants together, use a pebble tray, or mist foliage with filtered water twice weekly. Avoid misting in the evening to prevent fungal issues.

Pest Pressure

Mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and whitefly all thrive in warm UAE conditions. Inspect weekly using a hand lens, and treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap from our pest and disease management collection. Quarantine affected plants for two weeks to prevent spread.

Sand and Dust Build-Up

Fine UAE desert dust coats leaves and reduces photosynthesis. Wipe broadleaf foliage monthly with a damp cloth, and rinse small-leaved plants under the shower or with a garden hose on a low setting. Clean leaves also discourage spider mite colonies.

Companion Plants and Garden Pairings

Pair Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe with plants that share similar light, water, and feeding needs for a balanced garden display. In UAE villa gardens, combine with drought-tolerant species from our outdoor plants collection such as bougainvillea, oleander, and lantana for low-maintenance colour. For balcony arrangements, mix with compact varieties from our indoor plants collection to create visual layers without overcrowding root systems.

Companion planting also supports pest control. Strongly scented herbs from our herbs collection — basil, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass — repel many common UAE pests when planted alongside ornamental and edible varieties. For more pairing ideas, explore our curated plant seeds collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe suitable for first-time gardeners in the UAE?

Yes. With a basic care routine — appropriate watering, the right pot from our pots range, and seasonal feeding from our plant food collection — most beginners succeed within the first season.

How does Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe cope with UAE summer heat?

Provide afternoon shade, mulch the root zone, and water early morning and late evening. Container plants benefit from light-coloured pots that reflect rather than absorb heat.

Can I keep Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe indoors in a Dubai or Abu Dhabi apartment?

Many varieties adapt well to indoor conditions provided they receive adequate light. Place near a bright window away from direct AC airflow, and maintain humidity through grouping or a pebble tray.

How often should I fertilise Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe in UAE conditions?

Feed every three to four weeks during the cooler growing months (October through May), and reduce or pause feeding during peak summer. Use a balanced fertiliser from our plant food collection.

What is the best soil mix for Lettuce “Lollo Rossa” Hybrid Seeds – Omaxe in the UAE?

A blend of quality potting soil, compost, and perlite (in roughly 2:1:1 ratio) provides drainage and nutrition. UAE garden soil often contains high mineral salts, so container growing with imported mix is preferred for sensitive species.

Does Souq Garden deliver across the UAE?

Yes. We deliver across all seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Enjoy free delivery on orders above AED 200.