VegetableLettuce
Iceberg Lettuce
The classic crisphead lettuce that defined American salads for generations, Iceberg forms tight, pale green heads with an unmistakably satisfying crunch. This reliable annual thrives across zones 2-10 and delivers its signature sweet, mild flavor in 70-79 days, though some sources report up to 90 days. Standing just 5-10 inches tall with a neat mounding habit, each head develops into a dense ball of crisp leaves that release fresh flavors with every bite. Growing best in full sun with 8-inch spacing, this container-friendly variety transforms any garden plot into a source of restaurant-quality lettuce heads.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Consistent Moisture
Growth Stats
10 in
Height
TypeSpreading
Spacing
8
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
—
Zones
2-10
Size
10in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
What sets Iceberg apart is its remarkable texture - those tightly bound heads create an unmatched crunch that has made it the go-to choice for wedge salads and fresh sandwiches. The pale green leaves offer a mildly sweet flavor that complements rather than competes with other ingredients, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Its compact 5-10 inch stature and reliable 70-79 day harvest window make it perfect for succession planting and container growing. The dense, firm heads store exceptionally well and maintain their crisp texture longer than most lettuces, giving gardeners both immediate satisfaction and lasting value from each harvest.
Common Uses
Iceberg lettuce shines as the foundation of classic wedge salads, where its sturdy structure holds up beautifully under creamy dressings and toppings. The crisp leaves make exceptional sandwich wraps and burger toppings, providing that satisfying crunch without overpowering other flavors. Many cooks appreciate it as a fresh garnish that adds texture and visual appeal to plates, while its mild sweetness makes it perfect for mixed green salads where you want crunch without competing flavors.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep directly in garden soil, spacing them 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches wide. Plant in early spring for best results before summer heat arrives.
Harvesting
Harvest when heads feel firm and tight, typically 70-79 days after planting, just before the plant shows signs of bolting. You can either harvest individual outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach or wait for the complete head to mature and cut it at the base. The best timing is when inner leaves are firm and the head feels solid when gently squeezed, indicating peak crispness and flavor development.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Lactuca sativa
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Lactuca
Growth Habit
Spreading
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (W)