Variety field guide
What to expect from Bronze Arrow Lettuce Seeds
Bronze Arrow forms an open rosette of deeply lobed green leaves brushed with bronze and reddish brown.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Bronze Arrow forms an open rosette of deeply lobed green leaves brushed with bronze and reddish brown. The oakleaf shape gives salads a distinctive texture, and the tender leaves have a mild, sweet flavor. Its loose habit makes outside leaves easy to gather while the center continues growing. This older open-pollinated lettuce is valued for both appearance and repeated picking, especially in the gentle temperatures of spring and fall.
Bronze-tipped oakleaf foliage for colorful, repeated harvests.
Growing facts
- Botanical name: Lactuca sativa
- Maturity or display: 40-50 days
- Mature size: Size varies with harvest stage; allow the stated plant spacing
- Spacing: 12 in between plants; rows 18 in
About the variety
Bronze Arrow is also associated in the seed trade with the name Bronze Beauty. Ball Seed identifies it with the 1947 Bronze Beauty All-America Selections winner. The bronze-tipped, deeply lobed leaves remain its distinctive feature.
Starting seed
Sow on the surface or barely cover, about 1/8 in., in spring or late summer. Keep moist at 55-70 F; allow 5-14 days to sprout. Thin to 12 in. apart, rows 18 in. apart. Choose fertile soil and sun to light shade.
Care through the season
Maintain steady moisture and avoid crowding. Shade cloth can moderate strong afternoon heat, but slow-bolting varieties still flower eventually. Make small repeat sowings for a steady supply. Lettuce seed may germinate poorly in hot soil; start in a cooler spot when necessary.
Harvest and use
Pick outside leaves as needed or cut full rosettes in 40-50 days. Refrigerate promptly; harvest before bolting. For seed, let selected plants flower, isolate varieties and collect the fluffy, dry seedheads.
Saving seed
Lettuce is largely self-pollinating, though crossing is possible. Keep healthy plants with the desired leaf type, allow seed stalks to flower, and separate varieties when purity matters. Collect ripe seedheads as their white fluff appears. Dry thoroughly, clean and store cool and dry.
Common problems
Inspect for aphids and slugs. Keep foliage and crowns from staying wet overnight, avoid waterlogged soil and maintain airflow. Heat, long days and water stress promote bolting or bitter leaves; harvest promptly and plan a new cool-season sowing.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes this variety?
Bronze Arrow forms an open rosette of deeply lobed green leaves brushed with bronze and reddish brown.
When should I harvest?
Pick outside leaves as needed or cut full rosettes in 40-50 days. Refrigerate promptly; harvest before bolting. For seed, let selected plants flower, isolate varieties and collect the fluffy, dry seedheads.
How can I avoid poor quality?
Maintain steady moisture and avoid crowding. Shade cloth can moderate strong afternoon heat, but slow-bolting varieties still flower eventually. Make small repeat sowings for a steady supply. Lettuce seed may germinate poorly in hot soil; start in a cooler spot when necessary.





