Variety field guide
What to expect from Burgundy Boston Lettuce Seeds
Burgundy Boston wraps tender green inner leaves in a richly red outer layer, bringing both softness and color to a salad bowl.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Burgundy Boston wraps tender green inner leaves in a richly red outer layer, bringing both softness and color to a salad bowl. Its mild flavor makes a useful background for sharper greens, herbs and simple dressings. Let plants form loose butterheads for a whole-head harvest, or gather a few outside leaves as needed. The broad leaves also make attractive sandwich layers and small wraps when picked fresh and handled gently.
Soft butterhead leaves with a striking red-and-green contrast.
Growing facts
- Botanical name: Lactuca sativa
- Maturity or display: 50-55 days
- Mature size: Size varies with harvest stage; allow the stated plant spacing
- Spacing: 12 in between plants; rows 18 in
About the variety
Burgundy Boston is an open-pollinated butterhead lettuce with red outer leaves and a tender green center. Its loose, rounded heads give gardeners the choice of picking individual leaves or harvesting a whole plant.
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 developed heads in 50-55 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?
Burgundy Boston wraps tender green inner leaves in a richly red outer layer, bringing both softness and color to a salad bowl.
When should I harvest?
Pick outside leaves as needed or cut developed heads in 50-55 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.
