Iceberg lettuce, which are known botanically as Lactuca Sativa, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing iceberg lettuce as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Iceberg Lettuce
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the iceberg lettuce seeds six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when iceberg lettuce are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Iceberg Lettuce the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing iceberg lettuce in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your iceberg lettuce grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained, consistently moist and weed free. Soil PH levels should be around 6.2 to 6.8.
6″ apart in rows. 18″ apart in rows. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .25″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your iceberg lettuce seedlings should be thinned to about 4 to 6 inches apart.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Iceberg Lettuce
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your iceberg lettuce. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your iceberg lettuce should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Iceberg Lettuce
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your iceberg lettuce do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your iceberg lettuce begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Iceberg Lettuce to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your iceberg lettuce grow.
It takes approximately 7-10 days to germinate, and a total of 62 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Iceberg Lettuce
The best time to harvest your iceberg lettuce is when the head is large and feels tightly packed.
Iceberg lettuce can grow up to about 25-30 centimeters in diameter.
What Can Iceberg Lettuce Be Used For?
Food Use: Use one of these leaves as the bowl for your next salad.
Flavor Profile: Mild and crunchy.
Can Iceberg Lettuce Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you will ideally need a 12″+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your iceberg lettuce around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Iceberg Lettuce Safe for Bees?
Yes, iceberg lettuce are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing iceberg lettuce is bee-friendly.
