Lollo Bionda lettuce is the best choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. This variety is a favorite among those who enjoy healthy eating and culinary experimentation. It delights with its green curls and offers numerous health benefits. It's important to carefully study the characteristics of this lettuce and provide it with proper care to maximize its yield.
Peculiarities of origin
The semi-cabbage variety was developed through the joint efforts of Lance Company CJSC, the Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Vegetable Crops Breeding and Seed Production (a division of Heterosis Selection LLC), and Gavrish Breeding Firm LLC.
The application for registration was submitted in 2005 and two years later it was entered into the State Register.
Characteristics and description
It reaches approximately 25 cm in diameter and 24 cm in height, with a single plant weighing approximately 150 g. The rosette is semi-erect, with medium-sized, inversely triangular, green foliage. The margins are decorated with small, closely spaced cuts and are strongly wavy.
Lollo Bionda's composition
The crop is valued not only for its taste but also for its rich nutritional content. The green mass contains numerous vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E, and B complex (B1, B2, B6), which help strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy skin, and promote good vision.
Lettuce also contains folate, which is important for cellular growth and metabolism. It also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. The leaves are rich in dietary fiber. Due to their low calorie content and high water content, these greens are suitable for dietary use.
Beneficial properties
Lettuce is rarely found on the everyday table, despite its undeniable health benefits. Previously, the leaves were used primarily as a garnish, but with the rise of healthy eating, their role has changed significantly.
The effect of greens on the body:
- It's easily digestible, promotes fat breakdown, and eliminates toxins and cholesterol. Its components normalize metabolism, improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and eliminate constipation.
- Contains iodine and folic acid, which have a beneficial effect on nerve fibers and stimulate brain function. It has a sedative effect, relieving irritation and calming, normalizing memory, invigorating, and promoting sleep.
- Contains calcium comparable to dairy products, which promotes bone and cartilage restoration, improves the condition of hair, nails and teeth, and strengthens bones.
- It stabilizes blood pressure, strengthens blood vessels, enriches the blood and supports heart function, preventing heart disease.
- The vitamins in the composition support the immune system, increase resistance to stress, strengthen the body, and prevent seasonal colds and cancer.
- The high water content helps cleanse the body and remove kidney stones, while other substances relieve inflammation and restore mucous membranes.
- Improves reproductive function and promotes testosterone production in men.
- Microelements support vision and protect eyes from age-related changes.
Contraindications and harm
Lettuce leaves are considered completely safe for most people, as they have no serious contraindications, and cases of individual intolerance are extremely rare.
However, there are some restrictions on the consumption of this product in certain cases:
- Acute phase of colitis and enterocolitis. During periods of exacerbation of these diseases, it is better to exclude greens from the diet, as they can worsen symptoms and cause complications.
- Gout and hepatitis. For these conditions, salad can be consumed in small quantities. However, even then, it's important not to overindulge in the product to avoid triggering adverse reactions.
- Urolithiasis. The leaves help remove stones and sand from the kidneys, but in some situations their use can lead to undesirable consequences.
Although nursing mothers should not limit their diet, in the first days after the baby is born it is better to start with small portions, gradually increasing the amount.
Application
Valued for its fresh flavor and ease of use, eating it fresh helps preserve the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals.
Pairs well with a wide variety of foods, from fish and meat to fruits and nuts. It adds volume to dishes, making them appealing and appetizing. It can also be used as a side dish on its own.
Growing
The crop is grown in two ways: in open ground and in pots. During the warm season, the former option is optimal, but in winter, indoor planting is optimal.
- ✓ For optimal growth of Lollo Bionda lettuce, choose soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0, rich in organic matter.
- ✓ Before sowing, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water at room temperature for 12-24 hours to improve germination.
In open ground
This is an early-ripening variety. The harvest begins within 30 days of sowing. Make a small furrow 1 cm wide, watering it first. Place the seeds in the bed, cover lightly with soil, and compact them gently.
In pots
Growing lettuce in containers is a convenient way to get fresh greens even in limited space, such as on a balcony or windowsill.
- × Avoid using pots without drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- × Avoid placing pots in direct sunlight during the first few days after sowing to prevent the soil from drying out.
Follow these simple instructions:
- Select a container with a diameter of 20-25 cm with drainage holes for good water drainage.
- Fill with loose, nutritious soil. Use a special salad mix or add humus to the soil.
- Spread the seeds over the soil surface, without burying them too deeply. Lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Moisten the soil with water at room temperature.
- Place the pot in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight.
When the leaves reach the desired size, carefully cut them off at the base, leaving the root so the lettuce can continue to grow.
Care
Caring for Lollo Bionda involves several key steps to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Follow these simple agricultural practices:
- The plant prefers moderate watering. Moisten the soil regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plants when the top layer of soil dries out.
- Provide sufficient light. A sunny location with 4-6 hours of sunlight is ideal. If this is insufficient, use additional light sources.
- Plants require cool conditions. The optimal temperature for growth is 15-20°C. Avoid overheating, especially on hot days, to prevent bolting and bitterness.
- Fertilize your greens every 2-3 weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer or organic infusions, such as compost or herbal infusion, to maintain nutrient levels in the soil.
- ✓ Water your lettuce early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water evaporation.
- ✓ For uniform growth, provide plants with 12-14 hours of light per day, using phytolamps if there is insufficient natural light.
Watch for signs of pests and diseases and apply pest control measures and controls when necessary.
Reviews
Lollo Bionda lettuce is a popular variety among gardeners in our country. Its ease of care, amazing texture, and rich nutritional value make it ideal for use in a wide variety of dishes. With proper care, you can grow disease-resistant plants that will reward you with bountiful harvests.