Plant Profile
iceberg lettuceLactuca sativa var. capitata
Robust head lettuce with firm, water-rich leaves.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Good neighbors
CarrotOnionStrawberry
Avoid
parsleyCelery
Indoor & direct sowing
iceberg lettuce: Sowing and germination
Pre-culture in trays or pots at approx. 15-18°C.
Direct sowing possible as soon as soil is workable.
Planting & site
iceberg lettuce: Planting and spacing
Do not plant seedlings too deep to prevent rot.
Site & practical notes
Temperature & frost
iceberg lettuce: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
iceberg lettuce: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
iceberg lettuce: Container, support and growth
Year plan
iceberg lettuce Calendar
Spring cultivation avoids the intense summer heat.
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
No additional single task
March
No additional single task
April
No additional single task
May
No additional single task
June
No additional single task
August
No additional single task
September
No additional single task
October
No additional single task
November
Quiet month
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
iceberg lettuce Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
July to September (only for seed producers)
Flower color
Yellow
Self-fertility
high
Pollinator needed
no
Overview
Lactuca sativa is predominantly self-pollinating; pollination often occurs before the flower opens.
Notes
Insect visits can occasionally lead to cross-pollination but are not necessary for yield.
Pruning & care
iceberg lettuce Pruning & care
Pruning type
head_development_management
Pruning timing
Hygiene and ventilation Regular removal of diseased leaves prevents grey mould.
Supporting the flower stalk Scoring the head of seed bearers to facilitate the emergence of the stalk.
Remove
Preserve
Avoid
Tools and hygiene
Use clean knives to prevent rot at the stalk after cutting.
Companion guide
iceberg lettuce Companion guide
Good neighbors
CarrotOnionStrawberry
Avoid
parsleyCelery
Use & storage
iceberg lettuce Use & storage
Harvest as soon as heads are firm and closed.
Storage
Short-term refrigerator storage
Storage life
1 to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer
Flavor
Mild, neutral, extremely crisp and watery.
Harvest
Harvest as soon as heads are firm and closed.
Processing
After harvest
Cut the stalk cleanly, remove dirty outer leaves, and if necessary, cool briefly in cold water.
Edibility & safety
iceberg lettuce Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Non-toxic. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from over-fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for dogs in moderation. The leaves and young stems are edible and commonly used as a low-calorie snack. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk if very large quantities are consumed. No known toxic compounds for dogs. Possible mild gastrointestinal upset from overconsumption due to fiber content.
Open animal page
CatLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from over-fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is non-toxic to cats and can be fed in small amounts as a treat. The high water content can support hydration, but it offers little nutritional value. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which could pose a risk if very large amounts are consumed. Only the leaves and young, tender stems should be fed. Avoid old stems with bitter milky sap.
Open animal page
RabbitLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from over-fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for rabbits and is commonly fed as fresh greens. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk if consumed in large quantities. The leaves and young stem are edible and well tolerated. The bitter milky sap in old stems should be avoided as it may reduce palatability, but it is not toxic.
Open animal page
Guinea pigLeaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Leaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Overfeeding, old stems with bitter milky sap, Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption, Bitterness from old milky sap
observe
Iceberg lettuce is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as a treat. The leaves are safe, but the bitter milky sap in old stems should be avoided. With excessive fertilization, nitrate accumulation can pose a risk. Not suitable as a primary feed due to low nutrient density.
Open animal page
HamsterLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from over-fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and young stem are safe. Over-fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in leaves, posing a risk if consumed in large quantities. No known toxic compounds.
Open animal page
BudgieLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for budgies and can be offered as part of a balanced diet. Leaves and young stems are safe. Nitrate may accumulate with excessive fertilization, so prefer organic quality. No known toxic compounds.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from over-fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is non-toxic for horses and can be fed in moderation as a treat. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in leaves, posing a risk if consumed in large quantities. Only feed young, tender stems; avoid old, bitter stems. Not suitable as a primary feed due to low nutritional value.
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ChickenLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from over-fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for chickens and is commonly accepted as fresh greens. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk only with very large quantities. Normal feeding amounts are safe.
Open animal page
DuckLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for ducks and is commonly fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and young stems are safe. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk only with very large quantities. Normal feeding amounts are harmless.
Open animal page
GooseLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for geese and is commonly fed as part of their diet. The leaves and young stems are safe and palatable. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk if very large quantities are consumed, but under normal conditions the vegetable is safe.
Open animal page
SheepLeaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Leaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Overfeeding, Old stems with bitter milky sap, Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption, Bitterness from old milky sap
observe
No direct species-specific source was found for sheep. This is a cautious inference from the goats profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
GoatLeaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Leaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Overfeeding, Old stems with bitter milky sap, Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption, Bitterness from old milky sap
observe
Iceberg lettuce is suitable for goats in small amounts as a treat. The leaves and young stems are safe, while old stems should be avoided due to bitter milky sap and potential nitrate accumulation. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Not suitable as a primary feed due to low nutrient density. If signs of discomfort appear, observe the animal and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Open animal page
CattleLeaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Leaves, young stem
Milky sap in old stems
Overfeeding, Old stems with bitter milky sap, Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption, Bitterness from old milky sap
observe
No direct species-specific source was found for cattle. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
PigLeaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stem (if young and tender)
No risk parts listed
Nitrate accumulation from excessive fertilization
Mild gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
usually no action needed
Iceberg lettuce is safe for pigs and is commonly used as feed. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk only with very large amounts. Normal feeding amounts are safe.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
moderation only
Urgency
observe
Saving seed
iceberg lettuce Saving seed
Seed viability
3 - 5 years
Practical tips
iceberg lettuce Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Planting too deep almost always leads to bottom rot.
Success pattern
Indoor pre-culture in March and transplanting in April under fleece yields best results.
High-impact tips
A thick layer of mulch keeps the soil cool and moist.
Grower observations
In midsummer, red varieties are often more bolt-resistant than pure green ones.
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
Diagnosis help
iceberg lettuce Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Regular inspection of the heart leaves for aphids and rot is crucial.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
First response
Diagnostic rules
Brown leaf edges inside
Possible causes: Calcium Mangel, Wassermangel
- Check soil moisture
- Consistency of watering
FAQ
Why is my iceberg lettuce not forming a firm head?
Usually due to high temperatures or irregular watering. Planting too close together can also hinder head formation.
Is iceberg lettuce safe for Dog?
iceberg lettuce is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Iceberg lettuce is safe for dogs in moderation. The leaves and young stems are edible and commonly used as a low-calorie snack. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk if very large quantities are consumed. No known toxic compounds for dogs. Possible mild gastrointestinal upset from overconsumption due to fiber content.
Is iceberg lettuce safe for Cat?
iceberg lettuce is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Iceberg lettuce is non-toxic to cats and can be fed in small amounts as a treat. The high water content can support hydration, but it offers little nutritional value. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which could pose a risk if very large amounts are consumed. Only the leaves and young, tender stems should be fed. Avoid old stems with bitter milky sap.
Is iceberg lettuce safe for Rabbit?
iceberg lettuce is classified as suitable for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Iceberg lettuce is safe for rabbits and is commonly fed as fresh greens. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves, which may pose a risk if consumed in large quantities. The leaves and young stem are edible and well tolerated. The bitter milky sap in old stems should be avoided as it may reduce palatability, but it is not toxic.
Is iceberg lettuce safe for Guinea pig?
iceberg lettuce is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Iceberg lettuce is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as a treat. The leaves are safe, but the bitter milky sap in old stems should be avoided. With excessive fertilization, nitrate accumulation can pose a risk. Not suitable as a primary feed due to low nutrient density.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Chickens in the Garden: Safe Plants and Zones
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Horse Pastures and Garden Plants: Safety Checks
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Internal links
Related plants
Loose-leaf lettuce
Batavia lettuce
Predecessor to iceberg lettuce with similar crispness.
Radicchio
Also frequently used raw in salads.
Butterhead lettuce
Similar growth habit but softer leaves.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-13
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-13
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Eisbergsalat
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
- English Wikipedia: Iceberg lettuce
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13