Rouge D'Hiver, Heirloom Romaine Lettuce Seeds

Rouge D’Hiver, Heirloom Romaine Lettuce Seeds — The Beloved 1800s French “Red Winter” Romaine That Deepens to Stunning Bronze-Red in Cold Weather, Rich Buttery Flavor, 50–60 Days

Rouge D’Hiver (Lactuca sativa) — French for “Red Winter” — is a well-loved French heirloom from the 1800s that has been pleasing gardeners with its rich, buttery flavor for more than a century. Compact 12-inch upright romaine heads feature striking bronze-red outer leaves surrounding a tender, pale green heart. What makes Rouge D’Hiver truly special: the color deepens and intensifies in cold weather, making it one of the most visually dramatic lettuces you can grow in the fall garden. Frost tolerant and resistant to tip burn, it thrives when other lettuces struggle. The name says it all — this is the lettuce made for the cool season. 50–60 days.

Why Grow Rouge D’Hiver?

• Beloved French heirloom from the 1800s — over a century of cultivation and admiration
• Color deepens in cold weather — bronze-red leaves become more vivid and dramatic as temperatures drop
• Frost-tolerant and tip-burn resistant — extends the harvest season well into fall
• Rich, buttery flavor — tender green heart with satisfying depth of flavor
• Compact 12-inch heads — upright romaine habit, ideal for raised beds and small gardens
• Triple harvest option — baby greens, cut-and-come-again outer leaves, or full head
• Ideal for fall planting — sow 6–8 weeks before first frost for a beautiful late-season harvest
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Harvesting

Baby greens: Begin harvesting at 20–25 days when outer leaves reach 4–5 inches — mild, tender, and beautiful in salads. Cut-and-come-again: Snip outer leaves regularly, leaving the inner crown to regrow. For maximum regrowth, cut leaves at 2 inches above the soil rather than at ground level. Harvest in the morning for best texture and flavor. Full head: Allow 50–60 days for a full compact romaine head. Cut at ground level before flower stalks appear to avoid bitterness. Storage: Refrigerate in a plastic bag for 7–10 days.

In the Garden

The bold bronze-red coloration of Rouge D’Hiver makes it as ornamental as it is edible — a stunning addition to the fall kitchen garden. Plant alongside pale green lettuces, kale, and chard for maximum visual contrast. Its frost tolerance and tip-burn resistance make it a reliable fall workhorse. In warm climates, plant in late summer for a fall-through-early-winter harvest. Suitable for sprouting, microgreens, hydroponics, aquaponics, and indoor container growing.

Pests & Disease Notes

Ensure proper drainage and good air circulation to prevent mildew, rot, and leaf spotting. Watch for aphids and whiteflies — treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid overcrowding, which can cause bitterness and increase disease pressure.

Growing Notes

Direct sow ⅛ inch deep (or surface sow — lettuce benefits from light to germinate), 1–2 inches apart, in rows 12–15 inches apart. Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost for spring; sow 6–8 weeks before first fall frost for fall harvest. Thin to 9–12 inches apart as plants develop — overcrowding causes bitterness. Full sun to partial shade. Nitrogen-rich, well-composted, consistently moist soil (55–70°F ideal). Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest. Performs equally well direct sown or transplanted.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.