Description
The Crisphead lettuce, commonly known as Iceberg lettuce, is recognized for its dense, crunchy heads and mild flavor. Its tightly packed, pale green leaves form a characteristic spherical shape. Iceberg lettuce is favored for its refreshing and crisp texture, making it a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. While it has a milder flavor compared to other lettuce varieties, its crunchy texture adds a satisfying element to dishes. Iceberg lettuce is widely available year-round and is a staple in many kitchens and salad mixes.
To plant Crisphead (Iceberg) lettuce, here’s what you need to do:
- Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun or partial shade. Ensure the soil drains well and has good fertility.
- Soil Preparation: Work the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, removing rocks, weeds, and debris. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Sowing Seeds: Plant lettuce seeds directly into the garden bed, spacing them about 10-12 inches apart. Sow seeds thinly, covering them with a light layer of soil. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings into the garden once they have developed a few true leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Lettuce prefers evenly moist soil, so water regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost when planting, and side-dress with compost or a diluted liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to provide additional nutrients.
- Thinning: Once the lettuce seedlings have emerged and developed a few true leaves, thin them to ensure proper spacing. Thin the plants to about 10-12 inches apart to allow room for the heads to form.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature cool.
- Harvesting: Iceberg lettuce can be harvested when the heads are firm and fully formed, typically 70-90 days after planting. Cut the heads at the base when they reach the desired size. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor and texture.
- Succession Planting: To enjoy a continuous harvest, sow lettuce seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. This ensures a steady supply of fresh lettuce throughout the spring and fall months.