Mini Romaine
Breen is a true mini bronze-red romaine that brings both visual appeal and practicality to cool-season gardens. Ready to harvest in just 45 days, this open-pollinated lettuce thrives in the crisp conditions that lettuce lovers crave, growing best between 60, 65°F. Its compact bush habit makes it perfect for small spaces, while its striking deep red coloring adds richness to salads and plates alike.
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3-9
?in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Breen apart is its elegant miniature romaine form paired with that distinctive bronze-red hue that deepens as temperatures cool. At 45 days to maturity, it's one of the faster romaines to reach harvest, yet it develops full flavor without rushing. The compact growth habit means you can grow more plants in less space, and the color intensity actually improves in cooler weather, rewarding patient spring and fall gardeners.
Breen's miniature romaine leaves are ideal for whole-head salads where their tender texture and manageable size shine, or you can harvest individual leaves as they develop for a continuous supply throughout the season. The bronze-red coloring makes it a standout choice for composed salads and plates where visual appeal matters as much as taste.
Transplant seedlings outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring, or in late summer for fall crops. Space plants at the density specified by your seed source (approximately 16,000 plants per ounce of seed), which typically translates to 4–6 inches apart depending on whether you want mini heads or a continuous-cut system. Harden off seedlings gradually over a week before transplanting to acclimate them to outdoor conditions.
Direct sow seeds as soon as soil is workable in spring. Sow every two to three weeks for continuous harvest throughout the cool season.
Breen reaches harvest maturity in 45 days. You can pick individual outer leaves once the plant is established, or wait for the small heads to form and harvest the entire plant when it reaches your desired size. For best flavor and texture, harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. If you're using it for salad mix, one-cut types like this can be harvested just above soil level and will resprout for additional pickings.
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