Iceberg Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Lactuca sativa, or Iceberg Lettuce, has been long cultivated, dating back in Egyptian tombs as far back as 3000 BC. Continue reading to learn more about the growing instructions, general plant information, fun facts, and more!

Difficulty Levels: 


Planting Instructions:  

Growth Information: Lettuce grows best in full sun, but not excessive heat as it can cause plants to bolt to seed, or leaves to wilt. For an early start, seeds can be started in flats 4 weeks prior to the last frost and transplanted outdoors in mid to late spring. If growing in summer, select a partially shaded location, or one that receives primarily eastward exposure to mitigate the potentially damaging effects of excessive heat upon lettuce. Lettuce can be tolerant to many different types of soils, but prefers a cool, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8. For best growth, make sure to check if the location you are planting in is rich in organic compost matter prior to planting. Frequent use of nitrogen-rich fertilizer is recommended. The trick to successfully growing lettuce is to keep it growing fast, with lots of water and fertilizer. The lettuce grows to be about 12-40 inches in height and 25-30 cm in diameter.

Harvesting Information: Iceberg Lettuce takes longer than the other types of lettuce to harvest (50-90 days). It should be harvested as soon as a head develops but before the outer leaves turn brown. If seed stalks appear, pick the lettuce and store them in the refrigerator to prevent the taste of bitterness. Before you put it in the refrigerator, though, make sure to wash it well with water. Then, place it in a colander and let it drip dry. Once it is dry, put the lettuce in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator at 32 degrees at 96% humidity. Do not store it along side things like apples, pears, and bananas, as they will release a natural ripening agent that will cause brown spots and decaying leaves.

Uses: Iceberg lettuce is commonly used on sandwiches, in salads, and in snacks as a garnish. It is well known for its crunch and mild flavor, but it also has a lot of health benefits to go along with it. Iceberg Lettuce provides significant amounts of vitamin A and K, and has a high water content. This high water content makes it a fantastic choice on a hot day. Not only that, but iceberg lettuce also provides calcium, potassium, vitamin C, and folate.  

Fun Facts