Iceberg lettuce, also known as rock lettuce, is a further breeding of the well-known head lettuce. Many hobby gardeners like to plant it because it can be harvested almost all year round. It forms dense and compact heads with crisp leaves.
How to grow iceberg lettuce?
Growing iceberg lettuce is possible by growing it on the windowsill or in the greenhouse from February to April, planting it in the bed after the first pair of leaves, choosing a sunny to partially shaded location, hoeing and pulling weeds, and watering in the root area. Protective products such as cultural nets help against pests.
Plants
Iceberg lettuce can be grown on the windowsill or in the greenhouse from February to April. You can plant it in the bed when the first two leaves have formed and there is no longer any risk of frost. From mid-March, it can be grown in a cold frame, which should be covered at night.
Care
- Iceberg lettuce loves a sunny to partially shaded location and should be protected against a sudden cold snap (below 10 °C) in spring.
- It requires loose, humus-rich and moist soil, so hoe and pull weeds often.
- The young plants need a distance of 30 - 35 cm so that the lettuce head can develop well.
- After the head has begun to form, the lettuce may no longer be watered from above, but only in the area of the roots.
- Protect the plants with culture nets (€30.00 on Amazon) against pests such as snails, aphids and birds.
Harvesting
It takes around eight to twelve weeks until the harvest. It makes sense to sow or plant the lettuce in stages until July, then fresh harvest can be continued until October. To harvest, the entire head of lettuce is cut off just above the ground, if possible in the early morning.
The iceberg lettuce can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. When well chilled, it is particularly crunchy. The outer leaves are removed before preparation. It can be prepared like lettuce or combined with fried bacon and cooked ham. The fresh iceberg lettuce can also be served with sweet, fruity or savory ingredients.
Tips & Tricks
Fertilizers are avoided if the garden bed is well prepared with compost. Alternatively, you can water with nettle manure.
