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Compact bronze-red mini-romaine
Asteraceae
Organic leafy vegetable seeds
Organic 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Product code : BIOVO-0048
'Breen' is an early mini-romaine forming a small compact upright heavy head in approximately 45 days. Glossy blistered leaves are bronze red over an olive-green undertone with white veins, and the heart is dense clean and buttery. Sow small batches every two or three weeks to spread harvest. Spacing of 15–20 cm supports complete mini heads, while steady moisture and light summer shade preserve texture. Harvest early in the morning and chill promptly. Documented resistance never replaces rotation, airflow, or careful watering. In this overview, inspect Organic 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Annual vegetable
Discover the plant
Common nameBronze-red mini-romaine lettuce
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusLactuca
Speciessativa
CultivarBreen
TypeCompact bronze-red mini-romaine
Botanical nameLactuca sativa
Reproducible seedsYes
Organic 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) quickly forms a true small upright compact heavy head. Glossy blistered bronze-red leaves show an olive-green undertone and contrasting white veins. The dense clean buttery heart remains tender while ribs provide romaine crispness. Heads may be harvested small or allowed to gain more weight in spring and fall. Serve whole, in wedges, in salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Its individual size makes every mini head easy to present whole, halved, or quartered for everyday meals and colourful fresh home vegetable garden platters.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked or start plants three to four weeks before transplanting. Barely cover seed and keep cool because lettuce enters thermal dormancy in overly warm soil. Space 15–20 cm apart for complete mini heads or wider for heavier heads. Choose loose fertile soil enriched with mature compost, moisture-retentive, and well drained. Grow in sun during cool weather; light afternoon shade and steady moisture preserve quality in summer. Water transplants immediately and apply light mulch once the soil has warmed to moderate sudden moisture changes around shallow roots.
Maturity is approximately 45 days. Harvest once the head is dense, well closed at the top, and strongly coloured before the heart begins elongating. The variety has high resistance to downy mildew races 1–9 US, 16–21, 23–26, and 28–37 EU plus lettuce Fusarium wilt race 4. These codes are not immunity and do not cover every possible race. Maintain rotation, effective drainage, good airflow, and promptly remove severely affected plants. Harvest early in the morning, wash between leaves, and chill mini heads promptly in a clean container. Inspect the heart before storage.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Barely cover, approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm (1/8 to 1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Thin to approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in), with 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) between rows
Germination temperature
Approximately 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F); germination declines sharply in warm soil
Germination time
Approximately 5 to 10 days at 10–20°C; temperatures above 24°C can reduce or delay germination.
Sowing period
Early spring as soon as soil can be worked; late summer for an autumn harvest
Propagation
Direct sowing or indoor sowing three to four weeks before transplanting
Growing method
Growing 'Breen' lettuce from seed. Sow on fine moist soil and cover only 0.3–0.5 cm. Feed moderately; soft, overfed leaves are harder to cool and store. 'Breen' develops the expected harvest form: glossy blistered bronze-red leaves, olive-green undertone, white veins, and buttery heart. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Thin or transplant gently to preserve airflow around the developing small upright compact dense uniform head. Place 'Breen' in full sun to partial shade, while preserving drainage and airflow at root and leaf level. Water at soil level before the shallow root zone dries deeply, but do not leave it saturated. The spacing guidance for the planting is thin to approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in), with 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) between rows; use it when balancing airflow with the available growing area. Choose sun in cool weather and light afternoon shade when heat would hasten bolting. Because its habit is small upright compact dense uniform head, the rosette needs enough room for routine care and neighbouring plants. Inspect leaf undersides and the centre of each plant before deciding on treatment for this lettuce. Harvest after dew dries, shade the leaves promptly, and remove bolting plants before the next succession. Harvest the crop at the leaf, rosette, or head stage described for the product. Cut with a clean tool after dew dries, shade the harvest immediately, and remove bolting or diseased plants before they affect the next succession.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Care level
Easy
Watering
'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce has a compact, shallow root system, so keep the soil evenly moist while its glossy blistered bronze-red leaves, olive-green undertone, white veins, and buttery heart develop. Water 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce gently at soil level, let the surface begin drying before the next irrigation, and never leave its crown in standing water. Direct 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce's water beside the rosette so it does not remain trapped in the forming head. Check container-grown 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce daily in warm wind, but empty its saucer promptly.
Soil type
'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce prefers a fine, fertile seedbed that stays evenly moist without becoming dense around its shallow roots. For 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, blend mature compost through the upper root zone, level the surface, and remove hard clods before planting. Use approximately 6.0 to 6.8 as 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce's supplied pH target, testing before attempting to change it. Keep 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce's crown at soil level, avoiding a low pocket where water could collect inside the glossy blistered bronze-red leaves, olive-green undertone, white veins, and buttery heart. For container-grown 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, use the recommended soil volume, fresh vegetable mix, and open drainage holes.
Fertilization
'Breen' benefits from fertility matched to its growth stage. Let a soil test guide any corrective amendment. For 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, the intended harvest should develop without forced leafy growth. Never place fertilizer directly against young roots. Feed Bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce only after checking soil and moisture. Use new growth to judge whether nutrition is adequate. For 'Breen', its new leaves offer the clearest nutritional clues. Apply every fertilizer at its labelled rate. Observe 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce before repeating any fertilizer application.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil without saturation
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Breen' lettuce. Use 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce’s stated sowing window as a frost-relative cue, not a universal date: early spring as soon as soil can be worked; late summer for an autumn harvest. Sow and barely cover with approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm of mix in approximately 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F); germination drops sharply in warm soil; the working germination range is 5 to 10 days, with moisture held steady rather than saturated. Prepare a fine, fertile, well-drained seedbed and keep the shallow root zone evenly moist from emergence onward. Once true leaves form, remove crowding and watch the centre for trapped moisture or early pest feeding. Water at soil level in the morning, avoiding both a dry crust and standing moisture inside the developing crown. For container-grown 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, use the supplied guidance—at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) deep and approximately 3 to 5 L per mini head—and check drainage before growth hides the surface. During warm weather, afternoon shade and renewed sowings can preserve leaf quality, but no placement prevents bolting indefinitely. Check for slugs, chewing insects, and damaged outer leaves, using barriers and sanitation before considering any treatment on an edible crop. Follow the supplied harvest cue—approximately 45 days—then cut while leaves are crisp and before the centre elongates or flavour turns strongly bitter. For an autumn crop, sow only when local summer heat is easing and enough growing time remains before persistent freeze. Remove bolted or diseased plants promptly, chill sound leaves after harvest, and leave the bed clean for the next succession.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) deep and approximately 3 to 5 L per mini head
Growing 'Breen' lettuce in containers. For 'Breen', choose a container matching this guide: at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) deep and approximately 3 to 5 L per mini head. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Check the shallow root zone often and water before it dries deeply, always emptying the saucer. Good access around 'Breen' makes inspection and harvest easier, given its habit: small upright compact dense uniform head. Leave enough rim space for slow watering without splashing soil into the glossy blistered bronze-red leaves, olive-green undertone, white veins, and buttery heart. Watch for harvestable leaves and confirm maturity from colour, firmness, or size as appropriate. Thin plants for airflow and use removed sound seedlings promptly rather than leaving debris. At final planting, space this lettuce thin to approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in), with 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) between rows; crowding extra plants reduces access. Rotate the container for even light while keeping crowded leaves from rubbing against a wall. The rosette needs full sun to partial shade; nearby walls or taller crops should not compromise it. Harvest clean outer leaves while preserving the centre, or cut the whole plant at its intended stage with a clean knife. Cut clean leaves before bolting, cool them promptly, and remove diseased potting debris from reuse. Succession-sow another labelled container instead of keeping bolting the crop. Remove diseased mix from reuse, wash the pot, and cool every edible harvest promptly.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)
Width / spread
Approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Dark bronze red with olive undertones, green heart, and white veins
Foliage type
Glossy blistered bronze-red leaves with white veins
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Small upright compact dense uniform head
Fragrance
Mild fresh crisp flavour typical of mini-romaine lettuce
Bloom period
'Breen' flowers after establishing its main growth. Keep the root zone evenly moist during bloom. For 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, bloom changes development of the intended harvest. Support stems before the developing harvest adds weight. Observe Bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce as buds open and fade. Check moisture before blaming poor set on fertility. For 'Breen', its main growth should remain stable through flowering. Good light and airflow help reproductive growth continue. For 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, remove spent flowers only when appropriate for harvest. For Bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce, leave useful blooms available to visiting insects.
Fruiting
Breen forms a small romaine head with coloured leaves. Head formation is the useful harvest stage, and no fruit needs to develop first. Inspect the centre and pick before a flower stem begins to rise. Compact heads can be served individually, while younger leaves suit mixed salads. Retain only deliberately selected plants for flowering, since those plants will no longer follow the same tender-head harvest schedule.
Days to maturity
Approximately 45 days
Harvest
Breen mini romaine can be cut as a small whole head once the centre has filled to a useful serving size. Use a clean knife at the base and remove damaged outer leaves. Harvest during the cooler part of the day when possible, then chill the heads promptly. If the central stem starts rising, pick without delay rather than waiting for a larger head with poorer salad quality.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Breen mini romaine pairs visually with a green mini romaine in a salad bed, while still needing its own root and leaf space. Plant distinct short rows or blocks so harvest size can be assessed separately. Radishes may fill an adjacent early-harvest strip, but do not leave them to crowd developing heads. For a container display, use separate pots for herbs that need different watering. The goal is a compact, accessible salad garden, not the maximum number of species pressed into a single small planter.
Plants to avoid
Celery parsley
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Leaves and tender centre, thoroughly washed; avoid very bitter bolted plants
'Breen' lettuce in the kitchen. Grilled 'Breen' mini-romaine — Remove damaged outer leaves from four compact heads, rinse thoroughly, and dry well. Halve each head lengthwise through the base. Mix 20 mL olive oil with 10 mL sherry vinegar, 5 mL Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Brush the cut faces lightly, then grill them over medium-high heat for about 90 seconds, just until marked and warmed. Move the halves to a clean platter and spoon over the remaining dressing. Add orange segments, toasted walnuts, and cooked farro or lentils for a full salad, finishing with a small pinch of salt. The dark red leaves create contrast, but avoid overcooking them into limp strips. Serve while the ribs remain crisp. Wash lettuce away from raw meat and muddy roots, and never reuse a contaminated plate after grilling. Discard slimy or rotten leaves. Refrigerate unused heads clean, dry, and whole; keep leftover grains and dressing separate because the assembled warm salad is best eaten immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Why is 'Breen' called mini-romaine?
It naturally retains a small frame at maturity while forming a true upright dense romaine head closed at the top. It is not merely large romaine harvested too young. Small size permits 15–20 cm spacing and produces one or two servings per head. With wider spacing and longer cool-weather growth, plants may gain weight without completely losing compact character. Harvest early in the morning, keep the head shaded, and chill it promptly. Wash carefully between leaves before serving and discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling portion. Preserve the compact heart until preparation and serve promptly after washing for the best texture.
When should a 'Breen' head be harvested?
Begin checking at approximately 40 days and generally harvest around 45 days. The head should be upright dense well closed at the top and strongly bronze red with a still-tender heart. In spring or fall, a few additional days may increase weight, but watch for centre elongation. Cut early in the morning, chill immediately, and wash only before use. Harvest earlier if heat accelerates bolting. After cutting, wash between leaves, dry them, and refrigerate without delay. Do not leave one mature mini head in the garden for several days when heat is forecast because its texture may deteriorate quickly. Inspect each successive batch regularly.
What do 'Breen' resistances mean?
High resistance means the variety strongly limits growth or symptoms of these agents under normal conditions, but signs may still occur under severe pressure. Unlisted races are not covered. Rotate crops, use good drainage, provide airflow, and remove diseased plants. Water near the soil to limit splashing, provide enough spacing, and clean tools before moving from an affected area to a healthy one. Continue inspecting each succession because other diseases and races may still appear when conditions favour them. Documented resistance does not cover every pathogen. When managing moisture, inspect Organic 'Breen' bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth.
How can poor summer germination be avoided?
Breen seed is vulnerable to hot summer soil even though the mature bronze-red mini-romaine may still grow in warm spells. Aim for 10–20°C during germination. Sow in pre-moistened mix at dawn, cover by only 0.3–0.5 cm, and use a temporary shade screen to keep direct sun off the surface. Water with a fine spray whenever the top begins to lighten; flooding can move seed, while one dry interval can end germination. Expect emergence in roughly 5 to 10 days. Once shoots show, remove opaque shading, improve airflow, and thin toward 15–20 cm. If the bed will not cool, start a few cells indoors in a cool bright location and harden seedlings before setting them out. Keep crowns level with the soil. Because Breen matures in about 45 days, waiting for a cooler sowing window may be more effective than forcing repeated midsummer attempts.
Can 'Breen' be grown in a container?
Grow one Breen mini-romaine in approximately 3–5 L of mix, using a pot at least 20–25 cm deep, or space several heads 15–20 cm apart in a wider box. Good drainage is essential, but the mix should also hold enough moisture for shallow lettuce roots. Set the container in sun during cool weather and provide light afternoon shade during strong heat so the bronze-red leaves do not wilt repeatedly. Water when the upper layer starts drying and keep the crown above the mix. Breen forms a compact head roughly 15–20 cm high and wide, so leave its rosette uncrowded. Harvest the entire firm, coloured mini head near the 45-day stage, before a central flower stalk stretches. Chill it promptly and wash between leaves. A staggered second sowing can replace the first pot after harvest.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Breen's compact red heads are a salad harvest rather than a nectar planting. A plant left after harvest may eventually flower, but that should be a deliberate seed-saving choice. Keep any flowering specimen out of the way of the next sowing, and support insects with a separate patch of suitable seasonal flowers.
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