Iceberg Lettuce Seeds

Iceberg Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the classic crisphead lettuce famous for its tightly packed, round heads, exceptionally crisp texture, and refreshing mild flavor. For generations, Iceberg has been the standard lettuce for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and countless restaurant dishes. Its dense, pale green heads provide a satisfying crunch that remains crisp even after refrigeration, making it one of the most recognizable and widely grown lettuce varieties in the world. Easy to grow during cool weather and remarkably rewarding at harvest, Iceberg continues to be a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Introduction

When most people think of lettuce, Iceberg is often the first variety that comes to mind. Developed through years of careful selection for dense, compact heads and superior keeping quality, Iceberg produces firm, cabbage-like heads with crisp, juicy leaves that are refreshing and versatile. While it requires slightly more time to mature than looseleaf varieties, the reward is a beautiful, tightly wrapped head that stays fresh remarkably well after harvest.

Why Grow Iceberg Lettuce?

• Produces large, firm, tightly wrapped crispheads.
• Exceptionally crisp, crunchy texture.
• Mild, refreshing flavor.
• Excellent storage life after harvest.
• Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
• Beautiful uniform heads.
• Reliable cool-season performer.
• Ideal for home gardens and market production.
• Excellent for succession planting.
• One of the world's most popular lettuce varieties.

Flavor Profile

Iceberg lettuce offers a clean, refreshing flavor that is pleasantly mild and slightly sweet. Its greatest appeal lies in its remarkable crispness and juicy texture, making every bite satisfying without overpowering other ingredients. The tightly folded inner leaves are especially tender while maintaining the signature crunch that has made Iceberg famous.

Growing Information

Iceberg performs best during cool weather in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. Consistent moisture is essential for producing large, firm heads with excellent texture. Cool growing conditions encourage tight head formation and superior flavor.

• Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
• Plant Type: Cool-season annual leafy vegetable
• Days to Maturity: 70–85 days
• Plant Height: 8–12 inches
• Head Size: Large, compact crispheads
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained soil
• Spacing: 12–15 inches between plants
• Water: Maintain consistently moist soil

Because crisphead lettuces require longer to mature than looseleaf types, avoid allowing plants to experience prolonged heat, which may reduce head quality and encourage bolting. Regular watering and cool temperatures produce the finest harvests.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest entire heads once they become firm and fully developed by cutting them at the soil line. Remove any damaged outer leaves before refrigerating. Iceberg is famous for its excellent keeping quality and can remain fresh for one to two weeks or longer under proper refrigeration.

Seedman Notes

Iceberg remains one of the finest choices for gardeners who enjoy crisp, refreshing lettuce with outstanding versatility. While it requires a little more patience than leaf lettuces, the reward is a beautiful, firm head that stores exceptionally well and provides unmatched crunch for fresh salads and sandwiches. Every vegetable garden should include at least one planting of this timeless classic.

Quick Facts