The Lettuce Iceberg ( Lactuca sativa ) is the most popular heirloom lettuce worldwide and for good reason, its mild flavour and fresh crispy texture make it suitable for everyone, including many children who often will not eat other varieties easily. Its fame may be due to the fact that it is also the most common lettuce seen on hamburgers; in taco’s and other common fast foods.
This variety was developed in California, USA (like many varieties) in 1894 and is slow bolting; easy to grow; part shade tolerant; and has reasonable disease and heat resistance. This variety can be grown most of the year round in some climates.
Suitable for Cold to Tropical Climates.
Growth
Lettuce Iceberg is an annual with crispy firm heads that grow to 25-30 cm in diameter. These lettuces are bright green, tightly packed and have lovely crisp hearts. They are hardy and easy to grow, preferring a full sun position in cooler climates but an afternoon shade position in hotter climates.
Soil should be kept moist so water regularly, especially during the hotter parts of the year. Fertilise with a liquid organic fertiliser every two weeks with either a seaweed mixture or worm pee.
*We recommend growing ALL edible foods organically; it always tastes better – so your taste buds; body and family will thank you 🙂
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Warm Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 22°C / 50 to 71°F
SOIL TYPE:
Loose, well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun, but afternoon shade in hot climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Self-Pollinated
MATURITY:
60-80 days
GERMINATION RATES:
80-92%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT LETTUCE ICEBERG (Lactuca sativa)
The Lettuce Iceberg was given its name as an early variety because it was developed in a hotter climate (California, USA) and needed to be packed in ice to be kept fresh during shipping.
The Iceberg lettuce is believed to have less nutritional value than some other varieties; it does still have plenty of health benefits.
