iceberg lettuceLactuca sativa var. capitata

iceberg lettuce

iceberg lettuce

1. crisphead
2. Lactuca sativa var. capitata

1. crisphead
2. Lactuca sativa var. capitata

1. iceberg lettuce

Aster family

1. leaves

Iceberg lettuce is a straightforward, crisp-heading variety prized for its excellent post-harvest shelf life. It requires a sunny spot and consistent watering to prevent premature bolting.

Developed in the late 19th century in the USA, this lettuce earned its name from being transported on ice, which kept it crisp even over long distances.

1. Tasksowing

   Label

   Indoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2
   2. 3
   3. 4

   Conditionindoor

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Keep germination temps below 20°C to avoid dormancy.

1. Taskpest_control

   Label

   Slug control

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   Conditiondamp_weather

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable.

Sunny to partial shade

Not strictly required but beneficial

Humus-rich, deep loamy soil

Well-drained

Regularly, daily during heat

Water directly at the base, keep leaves dry

Mature compost or organic vegetable fertilizer

Basic fertilization before planting

Do not plant after other Asteraceae.

1. Peas
2. Beans
3. Radishes
4. Spinach

1. Leeks
2. Onions
3. Cabbage
4. Tomatoes

1. NutrientCalcium

   Symptoms

   Tipburn (brown leaf margins in the lettuce heart).

1. Slugschossen

   Name

   Bolting

   Cause

   Heat, water stress, or excessive day length.

1. Slugs
2. Sucking insects

1. Leaf fungi
2. Rot pathogens

1. Maintain spacing for ventilation.
2. Water in the morning so leaves dry off.
3. Follow crop rotation.

Regular inspection of the heart leaves for aphids and rot is crucial.

1. Slugfalscher-mehltau

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Warm, humid weather
   2. Wet leaves

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Choose resistant varieties
   2. Wide spacing

   Organic control

   1. Horsetail tea
   2. Removing infected leaves

1. Symptom

   Brown leaf edges inside

   Possible causes

   1. Calcium-Mangel
   2. Wassermangel

   First checks

   1. Check soil moisture
   2. Consistency of watering

1. Germination
2. Rosette formation
3. Heading
4. Head closure
5. Bolting (flowering phase)

The critical phase is the transition from rosette to heading, where consistent water supply is essential.

July to September (only for seed producers)

Yellow

June to October

Single harvest per plant (whole head harvest).

1. Head feels firm when lightly pressed
2. Head has reached variety-specific size
3. Leaves are crisp and tightly closed

Cut the stalk cleanly, remove dirty outer leaves, and if necessary, cool briefly in cold water.

Short-term refrigerator storage

1 to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer

1. Fresh consumption
2. Brief washing and spinning

Excellent for salads and as a crisp addition to burgers or wraps.

Cut out the hard core in a wedge shape, peel off leaves individually, or quarter the head.

Mild, neutral, extremely crisp and watery.

1. Leaves
2. Stem (if young and tender)

1. Milky sap in old stems (can be bitter)

Non-toxic. Excessive fertilization can lead to nitrate accumulation in the leaves.

Most common form of consumption; very safe.

Medium to difficult (due to long standing time and risk of rot).

Cut a cross into the top of the head to allow the flower stalk to break through more easily.

Allow seed heads to dry, beat them out, and remove the fine pappus hairs by sieving or winnowing.

Iceberg lettuce is an annual herb; the woody varieties category is botanically not applicable.

Usually harvested before flowering, thus providing little food for pollinators.

Time for indoor sowing and first plantings.

Focus on sufficient irrigation and shading.