Sow from April through August for continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
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Compact bronze-red mini-romaine
Asteraceae
Semences biologiques de légumes-tiges
Organic ‘Breen’ bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Breen’)
Lactuca sativa ‘Breen’
Organic Breen Mini Romaine Lettuce produces compact dark red heads with crisp leaves. An excellent variety for succession planting and small-space gardens.
Quantity
Approximately 50 coated seeds
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Lactuca
Species
sativa
Cultivar
Breen
Type
Compact bronze-red mini-romaine
Cycle
Biennial grown as an annual
Organic ‘Breen’ bronze-red mini-romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Breen’) 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.
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.
Johnny’s and Osborne list approximately 45 days. Harvest once the head is dense, well closed at the top, and strongly coloured before the heart begins elongating. Osborne documents 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.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Barely covered, approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm (1/8 to 1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Éclaircir à environ 10 à 15 cm (4 à 6 po), avec 30 à 45 cm (12 à 18 po) entre les rangs
Establishment temperature
Approximately 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F); germination drops sharply in hot soil
Establishment time
Environ 7 à 10 jours
Best planting time
Early spring as soon as soil can be worked, then late summer for an autumn crop
Propagation
Propagated by seed, either direct sown in the garden or started in containers. Seeds remain viable for several years when stored in a cool, dry location.
Growing method
Sow on fine moist soil and cover only 0.3–0.5 cm. Keep cool until emergence. Thin or transplant to 15–20 cm for complete mini heads; closer culture suits only baby leaves. Harden plants started three to four weeks earlier without burying the crown. Water immediately, maintain continuous growth, and make small batches every two or three weeks. Provide light afternoon shade during warm periods.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-2°C (28°F)
Watering
Keep the surface consistently moist during germination with a very gentle stream so barely covered seeds are not displaced. Once established, water deeply as soon as the top one or two centimetres begin to dry. Shallow roots poorly tolerate cycles of drought and excess water; this stress encourages bitterness, tipburn, and bolting. Water early in the morning at soil level or by drip, avoid splashing soil onto leaves, and apply light mulch after thinning. Check containers daily in hot or windy weather.
Soil type
Prepare loose fine fertile soil enriched with mature compost, able to retain steady moisture without becoming waterlogged. Shallow lettuce roots need an aerated zone; crusted compact or very sandy soil quickly slows growth and makes leaves more bitter. Aim for approximately pH 6.0–7.0. Incorporate organic matter before sowing rather than placing fresh manure near leaves. Improve drainage in heavy soil, avoid beds recently occupied by diseased lettuce, and rotate with unrelated crops.
Fertilization
Incorporate compost before sowing to provide the nutrients needed for vigorous growth. A light application of nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer may be beneficial in poor soils.
Seasonal care
Make successive sowings for continuous harvests throughout the season. Water regularly to keep the soil cool and moist. Weed as needed and harvest frequently to maintain leaf quality. Apply a light mulch during summer to reduce evaporation and conserve moisture.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and approximately 5 to 7 L per plant
Use a container at least 20–25 cm deep with numerous holes and allow approximately 25–30 cm diameter per mature rosette. A wide box may also hold one denser baby-leaf strip. Fill with light fertile well-drained mix, place in sun during spring, then light partial shade during strong heat. Water as soon as the surface begins to dry and never leave standing water in the saucer. Pick outer leaves regularly or cut the entire rosette at maturity.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Pale yellow
Foliage color
Dark red and green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Yellow flowers in the second year if the plant overwinters and bolts
Harvest
Begin checking at approximately 40 days and generally harvest around 45 days once the mini head is full firm compact and well coloured. Cut at soil level early in the morning with a clean knife, retain a few intact wrapper leaves, and chill immediately. For progressive harvest, take only one or two outer leaves and leave the heart. Wash just before use and refrigerate in a perforated bag. Harvest promptly if the centre elongates, the head loosens, or flavour becomes bitter.
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Beetroot, spinach, radish
Avoid planting with
Parsley, celery
Raw sticks, salads, slaws, sautés, roasts, soups, and cooked young leaves
From the garden to inspiration.
‘Breen’ mini-romaine wedges — Wash two sound mini heads, drain, and quarter each while retaining a core section. Whisk 30 ml plain yogurt, 15 ml lemon juice, 10 ml oil, pepper, and herbs. Spoon over immediately before serving and add sliced radish. Keep lettuce cold before the meal and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling leaf.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Yes. It performs well during warm weather when grown in cool soil with regular watering.
Harvest usually begins about 45 days after sowing, depending on growing conditions.
Yes. Pick the outer leaves as needed while allowing the center of the plant to continue growing.
Its compact size, dark red foliage, crisp texture, and excellent flavor make it an outstanding choice for home vegetable gardens.
