Home » Misc » Iceberg lettuce seedlings

Iceberg lettuce seedlings


Iceberg Lettuce Plants, Heading Variety. How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce.

About Growing Iceberg Lettuce

No doubt about it. Iceberg lettuce is the king. Iceberg is a head lettuce. And, this lettuce is by far the most popular in the kitchen, and in stores. Iceberg lettuce has a tightly formed head of crisp, sweetly blanched leaves. Leaves on the outside are green, giving way to blanched pale yellow to whitish center leaves The sweetest leaves are in the center. Growing to about a foot in diameter, iceberg lettuce is a staple in the kitchen for salads, on sandwiches, shredded in snacks, as a garnish, and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. For a great crop, take a few moments to read this guide on “How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce”.

Iceberg lettuce is a cool-weather crop that requires a long growing season. In many areas, it begins to mature just as warm weather hits. The result can be splitting bolting or rotting of heads. So, we recommend an early, indoor start in the spring.

Did You Know? 73% of the lettuce consumed in the United States is Iceberg lettuce.

Planting Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce seeds can be sowed directly into the garden or started indoors. We recommend an indoor start, to allow time for the lettuce to mature, before hot weather sets in. First, sow a few lettuce seeds in each cell of a seed tray. Next, cover the seeds very lightly with fine starter soil. Then, keep the soil in the seed tray moist during the germination period.

In about 5-10 days, the seedlings will sprout. Then, thin seedlings to one plant per cell. Or, use small scissors, to thin plants. Simply snip seedlings off at ground level.

Tip: When beginning transplants, stagger the start of your seedlings to spread out the crop. For example, if you are going to grow 24 Iceberg lettuce plants, sow six in the seed tray today, sow six more a week later, etc.

Transplant lettuce seedlings into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Ideally, transplant them on a cool or cloudy day. Water well after transplanting.

Final Spacing: Space plants 12″ apart in rows 18″ apart.

How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce Plants

Grow plants in full sun. The soil should be rich, fertile, and well-draining.

The trick to successfully growing lettuce is to keep it growing fast, with lots of water and fertilizer.  Keep the soil moist. Frequent use of nitrogen-rich fertilizer is recommended. Iceberg lettuce plants respond well to regular applications of liquid fertilizer.

Transplanting Tip: When transplanting any type of lettuce in hot weather, place some form of sunshade over the plant for a couple of days. Any makeshift shade will do.

It’s important to time the crop to mature before the onset of hot dry weather. In these conditions, the plant is bolt…go to seed. It can also split or rot.

For a fall crop, an indoor start is best. Lettuce seeds do not germinate well in the hot soil of mid-summer.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0. Ideal Soil pH by vegetable by vegetable

Also, see:

Plant Problems

Soil Temperatures – Ideal germination temperature by vegetable.

How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce - Insects and Pests

Bunnies like lettuce. Got bunnies!? Then, a rabbit fence is in your future.

Insects can become a real problem, too. A wide variety of insects like lettuce. Iceberg lettuce is delicate and can absorb insecticides. If an infestation occurs, we recommend insecticidal soaps and organic repellents. If you choose chemical sprays, read the label carefully to make sure it is safe for lettuce. Also, heed the amount of time you have to wait to harvest the crop after spraying…. .it’s all on the label of the spray you purchase.

Slugs are a real problem for all types of lettuces. There are a variety of control methods. More on Slugs and snails.

Plant Problems and Disease

Lettuce plants will wilt and rot in hot, humid weather.

Also, Iceberg lettuce plants will bolt, or go to seed stage, in higher heat. Rotting can also occur in wet soils.

Plant Problems – Diagnosis, causes, and cures for many common plant problems.

Harvesting Iceberg Lettuce

Days to Harvest: Plants need 80 – 90 days to reach maturity.

If you have a big crop, begin to harvest iceberg lettuce after the head begins to form. The outer leaves are edible. However, the outer leaves are not sweet like the blanched inner leaves. Harvest when the heads are big and tightly packed. Once they reach this stage, bolting is but a few days away.

Plant Hardiness

Iceberg lettuce thrives in cooler weather. But, it is also susceptible to frost. It does not like mid-summer heat or dry conditions. Set your first crop outdoors after the last spring frost. Time your Fall crop to mature before the first fall frost date for your area.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Please support our site. Shop for:

Composters

Seed Trays

Clothing – Fashions

Kitchenware

Garden Seeds & Supplies

Soil Testers      

Electronic Best Sellers

Live Plants

Cell Phones

Groceries

How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce

 

Seed Packs

  

Buy Seeds Now >>
   

Home > Guides > Vegetables > Lettuce > Iceberg Lettuce

Tweet

 
 
 
 
   
 

Overview

Iceberg lettuce grows in small, dense heads. Commonly used in salads and sandwiches, they are prized more for their texture and crispiness than for the flavor of the leaves themselves. Iceberg was first cultivated in the Salinas Valley of California, then packed in ice and distributed across the US on trains, earning its namesake. Space plants 12" apart with 18" between rows.

 
   
 

Annual

7 to 14 days, 40F to 85F

1 year

Well Drained

Full Sun, Part Shade

1" apart

12 " apart

50 to 75

Growing Guide
GROWING NOTES

Lettuce grows best in full sun, though excessive heat 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 is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained, cool, loose soil with plentiful moisture and pH 6.2 to 6.8. Sensitive to low pH. Lime to at least 6.0. To encourage tender and tasty growth, make sure location is rich in organic compost matter. Amend prior to planting if needed.

 

Sowing
Direct seed or transplant in early spring, as soon as you can work the soil. To get an early start, prepare beds the previous fall by working in manure or compost and raking smooth to leave a fine seedbed. Seeds need light to germinate; sow at a very shallow depth by covering with a thin layer of growing medium.

 

Direct-seeding

Sow seed 1/8 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. When plants have two or three true leaves, thin to 12-inch spacings for crisphead varieties, 6 to 10 inches for other types. You can also lightly broadcast seed (particularly of looseleaf varieties) in a patch instead of a row.

 

Transplants

Sow in 1-inch cells 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting outside. Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature for 3 days before transplanting. Hardened plants should survive 20 F. Space crisphead transplants 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Space other varieties 6 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.


MAINTAINING

Use row covers to protect very early plantings from cold, to protect young plants from insects, and (supported by hoops) to shade crops when warm weather arrives.

 

Make succession plantings every week or two, and grow several varieties with different maturity dates for a continuous supply. Moisture, stress, and high temperatures, particularly at night, encourage bolting. As the season progresses, plant more bolt-resistant varieties. Locate plants where they will be partially shaded by taller nearby plants, latticework or other screen.

 

Lettuce has a shallow root system. Keep soil moist to keep plants growing continuously. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds (unless slugs are a problem). Fertilizing can be helpful to promote faster growth, especially a fish emulsion type that is not high in nitrogen that can cause greens to become bitter. Water lightly but consistently.

 

For fall crops, time maturity around time of first expected frost. Mature plants aren't as tolerant of freezing as seedlings.

  
   
 

Heirloom seeds are the gardeners choice for seed-saving from year-to-year. Learning to save seeds is easy and fun with these books. Before you harvest, consider which varieties you might want to save seeds from so that your harvesting practice includes plants chosen for seed saving. Be sure to check out our newest seed packs, available now from Heirloom Organics. The Super Food Garden is the most nutrient dense garden you can build and everything you need is right here in one pack. The Genesis Garden s a very popular Bible Garden collection. The Three Sisters Garden was the first example of companion planting in Native American culture. See all of our brand-new seed pack offerings in our store.

  
   
 

Harvesting Guide

HARVESTING

Many varieties of lettuce can be harvested as microgreens, baby greens, leaves, or entire plant. Ideally, greens should be collected early in the day, before the onset of midday sun, to prevent wilting.

 

Microgreens are usually harvested within 2 weeks after germination by cut entire plant just above the ground, once it is around 3-4" tall.

 

Baby greens are collected when between approximately 28-35 days after germination, and are collected. Looseleaf, butterhead and romaine types can typically be harvested as baby greens, while iceberg lettuce is not suitable as baby greens.

 

'Mature leaves' can be harvested from all type of lettuce except for iceberg any time in the growing cycle, until a central stem begins to form. This indicates the plant is preparing to bolt to seed, and greens collected from such plants are often too bitter for consumption.

 

Entire plants can be harvested in mid-development while the leaves are still plump and tender, but before a stem has started to form. Many varieties of looseleaf lettuce can be harvested numerous times during a single growing season after being cut approximately 1" above the ground.

 

Some other general guidelines when collecting the entire plant:

Leaf lettuce can be cut as soon as it is large enough to use, usually in 50 to 60 days from planting. Cutting every other plant at the ground will give remaining plants more space for growth.

 

Romaine and Butterhead lettuce can be harvested in about 60 to 70 days from planting.

 

Iceberg (crisphead) varieties take longer and should be harvested as soon as a head develops but before outer leaves turn brown. If seed stalks appear, pick the lettuce immediately and store in the refrigerator to prevent bitterness. To store lettuce first wash it well by immersing in water and swishing it around. Place it in a colander and rinse then drip dry. Do this especially if you have used chemicals on your crop. When it is dry place it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or wrap in paper towels and place in a bowl in the refrigerator. It keeps best at 32 degrees with 96% humidity. Avoid storing lettuce with apples, pears or bananas as they release a natural ripening agent that will cause brown spots and the leaves will decay quickly.


SAVING SEEDS

Rubbing separates the plumes and chaff from the seeds. When completely dry, shake the flower stems in the bag. Rub the seed heads between your hands to release more seeds. Put the seed through a fine mesh sieve that allows the seeds through but retains the chaff and plumes; this will give relatively clean seed. Winnowing is difficult because seeds and chaff are about the same size and weight. For extra cleaning use reverse screening, with a smaller mesh that retains the seed but lets small pieces or chaff and plume through. The dust produced during cleaning causes irritation to the lungs and eyes. If cleaning large amounts use a mask and goggles or clean outdoors.

  
     
 

Tweet

You can find this variety in the following Seed Packs:
Click the packs below to see some of our other wonderful products
 

Iceberg lettuce in the garden: cultivation and care

Iceberg lettuce is considered the best in terms of taste. Outwardly, it is similar to white cabbage, the leaves are just as juicy and crispy. Used fresh in salads with parmesan, seafood and olive oil. It is rich in vitamins, gives satiety, while not burdening the stomach.

Iceberg lettuce tastes like Chinese cabbage. They are usually used fresh, since during heat treatment the proportion of useful substances decreases by about 60-70%. Iceberg lettuce can be used to prepare the simplest and healthiest salad: lettuce, hard grated cheese and grated boiled egg, mix everything and season with sour cream. nine0003

Growing lettuce is very easy. Planted after cabbage, celery, potatoes or cereals.

It is recommended to prepare seeds by soaking or panning before sowing Iceberg lettuce seeds. It is convenient and germination is faster.

Place and soil

Choose fertile soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (pH 6-7), loam to plant the Iceberg. Avoid planting lettuce in light, dry soil.

3 ways to plant iceberg lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is easiest to grow by sowing seeds outdoors . To do this, in early spring, immediately after the soil thaws to a depth of at least 5 cm, the seeds are embedded in the soil by 0.5-1 cm. The distance between plants is kept 25-30 cm, and between rows 40-45 cm. Cover with a film to maintain the required moisture . At a temperature of 4-5°C, the sprouts begin to germinate, withstand frosts down to -6°C. Periodically, the film is opened to ventilate the plantings, and removed when all the sprouts germinate. nine0003

Iceberg lettuce can be grown from seedlings . To do this, plant seeds in peat-humus pots and set them for 2 days in a place where the temperature regime remains 16-17 ° C, then rearrange them in a room at a temperature of 15-25 ° C until 4-5 leaves appear on the seedlings . 3-4 days before transplanting seedlings into open ground, harden them out, taking them out into fresh air. The term for growing lettuce seedlings is approximately 14 days.

Another way to grow Iceberg in the country is winter sowing . In autumn, the site is filled with organic matter and mineral fertilizer (for 1 sq.m a bucket of compost, 3 tablespoons of nitrophoska, 3 tsp of urea and 1 kg of wood ash). Not all seeds will overwinter, so it is better to sow more. After sowing, plantings are covered with leaves.

Care

Iceberg loves watering very much. Do this every day until heads are formed, after which it is reduced. In hot weather, water late in the evening. During the rainy season, when soil moisture levels are high, Iceberg lettuce is prone to powdery mildew. nine0003

Carry out loosening, superficially, without damaging the roots.

Lettuce does not respond well to elevated temperatures and at more than 25°C flower stalks are already formed, and the leaves begin to taste bitter. The optimum growth temperature is up to 17-18°C.

Crispy iceberg lettuce grown in loose fertile soil. Nitrogen fertilizer is applied before planting and during the head formation period. Do not oversaturate the soil with fertilizer, but support it. Remember that excess fertilizer leads to nitrate buildup. nine0003

Observe crop rotation. Every year, when growing Iceberg lettuce, it is necessary to change the landing site, returning to the previous one no earlier than after 3 years.

An iceberg head is cut when its diameter is within 10 cm. It is better to cut with a knife and in the morning, when all the leaves are full of juice. The 2 lower leaves are cut off and laid in a row, without pressing each other. Store in a cold place at a temperature of 0-2°C. Shelf life up to 7 days.

After cutting the heads, after a while it will be possible to harvest a second crop. A week after harvesting, sprouts will begin to form and of all you need to leave only one, in your opinion the strongest. nine0003

Liked the article? Share it with your friends! (links below)

cultivation in the country from seeds, planting and care in the open field

Salads are currently popular. One of them is iceberg lettuce. This healthy low-calorie product attracts with its calm, neutral taste. It goes well with any sauces. At the same time, its resistance to low temperatures, unpretentiousness when grown in the country and its decorative appearance attracts many summer residents. nine0003

Tables

  • Description and origin of the Iceberg salad
  • Recommendations before sowing at
  • Agrotechnics of planting and growing seeds
    • Sowing seeds in open ground
    • Personal 900
    • Care
    • Causes of the lack of heads
    • Cutting and storage

    Description and origin of iceberg lettuce

    Iceberg lettuce is an early crop, ripening period 50-90 days , refers to head lettuce. Outwardly, it resembles an early, white cabbage. A rosette of light green leaves with a carved border forms a small head of cabbage weighing 300-600 gr .

    It is similar in taste to Chinese cabbage, but differs in juicy and crunchy leaves. These properties attract in the preparation of cold appetizers and in the design of dishes.

    The plant has found its distribution throughout the world thanks to American breeders. They received culture in the early twentieth century. Currently grown commercially. It was originally called "crunchy salad". After that, its taste was appreciated. nine0003 Iceberg lettuce average weight is 300-600 grams

    Farmers used an “ice cushion” to preserve the harvest. The heads of cabbage laid in boxes were sprinkled with ice cubes. As a result, the word “ice” (ice) caught on the plant, which later transformed into “iceberg”.

    Recommendations before sowing in the country

    1. The crop prefers loamy or sandy, neutral soils . Therefore, to reduce acidity, dolomite flour, wood ash or limestone are first introduced into the ground. nine0063
    2. For the prevention of plant diseases, planting is carried out in accordance with the requirements for crop rotation. It is desirable that cabbage, potatoes, onions or cereals grow in the beds last year.
    3. Lettuce is a crop capable of accumulating nitrates in its leaves. Therefore, nitrate fertilizers should be applied with caution. It is better to fertilize with humus, compost or manure from autumn before planting.
    4. Early ripening and decorative look allows growing not only as a monoculture on a separate bed. It can also be grown together with potatoes, onions, carrots or in the aisles of zucchini, cucumbers. While these crops are growing and gaining strength, the lettuce will have time to ripen. A spectacular look with carved leaves is used to decorate flower beds. nine0063
    5. Choose sunny places or partial shade .
    6. Culture is cold-resistant and withstands frosts down to -2 -6 degrees. Growth begins at +5 degrees. And the optimal for active growth is + 18 + 25 degrees.
    7. To increase the harvest period, you can sow in several stages, every 10-14 days.
    8. Seeds, one day before sowing, it is recommended to germinate in moist tissue.

    Agrotechnics for planting and growing seeds

    Sowing seeds in open ground

    In the first half of April, a garden bed is prepared. They loosen well and cover with covering material so that the earth warms up. When the positive temperatures are established, at the end of April, at the beginning of May , rows are made in the garden 3 cm deep, after 40 cm. The earth is compacted and spilled with water. Seeds are sown at a distance of 20-30 cm and covered with earth 1 cm.

    Iceberg Lettuce Seeds

    If the seeds are not released or there is no certainty about their quality, it is advisable to thicken the sowing. In the case of good seedlings, plantings can be thinned out or planted in a new place. nine0003

    Bed is covered with foil . Seedlings should be expected in 6-14 days. The lower the temperature, the longer the shoots.

    Sowing seedlings

    Better use peat or plastic cups . When transplanted into open ground, the root structure is not disturbed, and the culture takes root faster.

    The soil is used store or from the site, from the place of future planting. The earth in cups is slightly compacted and sown in 2-3 seeds, 1 cm is covered from above. Spilled with water and covered with a film to retain moisture and heat. nine0003

    Until shoots 4-5 days withstand the temperature +16+17 degrees , then you can raise to +25 degrees . After 3-4 weeks, in mid-May, when the plant has 4-5 main leaves, they are transplanted into open ground.

    Seedlings need to be hardened off 3-5 days before the planned transplant. Take out during the day from the house to the street in partial shade, to a quiet place, without wind and drafts. May cause burns in sunny places.

    Seedlings need to be hardened off 3-5 days before planting in the ground

    Transplanting seedlings in open ground

    In the prepared, loose bed , rows of holes are made every 40 cm . In rows, the distance between holes is 20-30 cm.

    A wide, pointed stake can be used to make neat, even holes of the desired depth and diameter. The earth in such holes will immediately be compacted.

    Seedlings and holes well watered . If the plant is removed from the cups, then with the help of light tapping or pressing the container. In this case, peat cubes are good, from which you do not need to get the plant and can be planted immediately in the ground. nine0003

    Sprinkle the seedlings lightly with soil. It is not worth deepening the root system, since it has a superficial type of growth. By planting seedlings in varying degrees of growth, you can stretch the harvest period. Stronger shoots will yield faster, weaker shoots later.

    At first, it is recommended to cover landings with a film or impromptu cups from plastic bottles. Especially if there are slight frosts.

    Before and after planting, the hole and seedling must be shed with water

    Sowing before winter

    Another option is to sow in late autumn. It is good because the spring ripening of lettuce occurs 10-15 days earlier, it is larger and stronger. But at the same time there is a risk of freezing of part of the seeds. Therefore, increase the number of seeds for sowing before winter 1.5 -2 times .

    When the temperature outside is within +1 +3 degrees , seeds are laid in the prepared bed. They are deepened by 1-1.5 cm. In this mode, the seeds will safely leave before winter, they will not germinate. The bed is covered with dry grass, foliage and other covering material. They open in the spring when the weather warms up. nine0003

    Care

    Basic care consists of feeding, watering, loosening, weeding and thinning.

    • Top dressing . They do it 1-2 times, before sowing and during the formation of heads. The best option is to combine with watering and feed with organic
      fertilizers. For this, a solution of mullein or bird droppings is suitable (1-2 tablespoons per 10 liters).
    • Watering . Regular moderate watering is needed, every other day or once a week plentiful. If the soil is dry, heads will not form well, if it is wet, there is a risk of rot. After the formation of the ovaries, watering is reduced. nine0063
    • Loosening and weeding . Periodic loosening is shallow so as not to damage the roots. The first in 3-4 weeks after sowing. At the same time, weeding from weeds takes place.
    • If the seedlings are dense, then thinning is carried out in two stages. Not performing these works on time, the head will be poorly formed. The first time in the phase of one true leaflet, shoots are kept after 4-5 cm. The second time in the phase of 6-7 true leaflets. Leave plants every 20-30 cm.
      • nine0076

      In addition, the plant may be subject to diseases and pests.

      When an iceberg is affected by tip rot, use a solution of calcium nitrate

      At the end of growth, with a lack of calcium, a disease can occur tip rot , inside the stems. For prevention, they are sprayed once a week with a solution of calcium nitrate (100-150 grams per 12 liters of water).

      In humid summer, during the invasion of slugs and snails, you can use the drug "Thunder". Spread the granules in places of accumulation. nine0003

      If is affected by cruciferous fleas , sprinkle with plenty of water and sprinkle with wood ash. Repeat the procedure after 3-4 days.

      Reasons for the absence of head ovaries

      Paying attention to proper planting and care, gardeners do not always wait for young heads of cabbage. What is the reason?

      1. Insufficient watering. Until the formation of ovaries, regular watering is carried out.
      2. Shady landing site. The best place is sunny with partial shade. nine0063
      3. The temperature of is below +19 degrees , especially at night. Plants need to be covered. The best mode for forming +20 +22 degrees.
      4. Temperature above +25 degrees . this leads to overripeness, the acquisition of a bitter taste, and flowering.
      5. Not enough sunny days.
      6. Crowded plantings or thinning was not carried out in time.
      Successful sprout formation requires proper temperature and thinning

      If often the average summer temperatures in the region are above 25 degrees at the time of the formation of the ovaries, then sowing should be done earlier through seedlings or in closed ground (greenhouse).

      Cutting and storage

      45-90 days after sowing , when the diameter of the sprouts reaches 5-10 cm , cutting takes place.

      Harvest early in the morning to preserve the succulence of the leaf blade. Choose heads of medium density. Young and friable ones are poorly stored, and dense overripe ones are inferior in taste. nine0003

      Heads are stored in the refrigerator at +3 +5 degrees for up to 7 days.

      Heads stored in a refrigerator at +3 +5 degrees for up to 7 days

      Pre-packed: