Planting errors make iceberg lettuce headless. Read here about the most common reasons why iceberg lettuce doesn't form a head. You can find out here which measures promote head formation in the noise salad.
Why doesn't my iceberg lettuce grow a head?
A planting distance that is toonarrowand a planting depth that is tooshalloware the most common causes when the iceberg lettuce does not form a head. Plant iceberg lettuce at a distance of35 cm only deep enough for the stem to be 1 cm above the ground.
How does iceberg lettuce become round?
The iceberg lettuce becomes round because its leaves overlap each other on the stronglycompressed shoot axisA round, Firm head of lettuce with crisp leaves. Iceberg lettuce is therefore also called rock lettuce.
Iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) is a type of lettuce from the lettuce group and belongs to the Asteraceae family. Iceberg lettuce was bred from Batavia lettuce. The Batavia, with its loose heads that open upwards, was perfect for breeding a new variety of lettuce with tightly closed, round heads.
What can cause iceberg lettuce to not form a head?
Too narrow aplant spacingand too small aplanting depth are the most common causes when an iceberg lettuce does not form a head. Other reasons for a lack of head formation in ice lettuce include sowing too early or too late and over-fertilization with a high nitrogen content. If the water regularly hits the iceberg lettuce from above when watering, a firm, round head cannot develop.
Which measures promote head formation in iceberg lettuce?
A planting distance of at least35 cm with a planting depth of just below the root neck is advantageous for head formation in iceberg lettuce. It is best to plant a young plant only so deep that the stem is 1 cm above the ground and the leaves move freely in the wind. Favorable factors are also:
- Sowing dates: February in the greenhouse, March in the cold frame, May directly in the bed.
- Fertilize sparingly: on the day of planting with compost, once during growth with nettle manure.
- Watering from below: Let the water run directly onto the root disc.
Tip
Celery prevents head formation on iceberg lettuce
Did you know that iceberg lettuce often doesn't grow a head next to celery? This finding is based on years of observations by attentive hobby gardeners in the vegetable patch. In contrast, when mixed with chervil (Anthriscus), iceberg lettuce forms a firm, round head. Other good neighbors for crash lettuce include savory (Satureja) and sage (Salvia) for better flavor. Radishes, garlic and marigolds repel snails.
