Variety field guide
What to expect from Bronze Guard Lettuce Seeds
Bronze Guard combines green and bronze coloring with an oakleaf outline that gives garden beds and salad mixes extra interest.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Bronze Guard combines green and bronze coloring with an oakleaf outline that gives garden beds and salad mixes extra interest. Its leaves have a pleasing flavor and are useful both as a main salad green and as a colorful garnish. The open growth allows early outside-leaf picking, while full plants take longer to develop. Give the rosette adequate space, keep its roots evenly moist and harvest while leaves remain tender.
A bronze-and-green oakleaf for salads and fresh garnishes.
Growing facts
- Botanical name: Lactuca sativa
- Maturity or display: About 70 days
- Mature size: Size varies with harvest stage; allow the stated plant spacing
- Spacing: 18 in between plants; rows 18 in
About the variety
Bronze Guard is an open-pollinated oakleaf lettuce with bronze and green foliage. Its open growth allows young outside leaves to be harvested while the center continues to develop.
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 18 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 70 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 Guard combines green and bronze coloring with an oakleaf outline that gives garden beds and salad mixes extra interest.
When should I harvest?
Pick outside leaves as needed or cut full rosettes in 70 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.




