Iceberg
Lactuca sativa var. capitata 'Iceberg'
The quintessential American head lettuce that forms tight, dense heads of crisp, pale green leaves with unmatched crunch and refreshing flavor. While challenging to grow perfectly, successful heads reward gardeners with the ultimate salad lettuce that stays fresh for weeks and provides that signature satisfying crunch. This variety requires patience and proper timing but delivers restaurant-quality results when grown correctly.
Harvest
80-95d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Iceberg in USDA Zone 7
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Iceberg · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | July – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | July – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | June – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: 'Allstar Mix', 'Bibb', 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', 'Green Oakleaf', 'Ithaca', 'Jericho', Lactuca sativa var. augustana ('Celtuce'), 'New Red Fire', 'Pennlake', 'Red Sails', 'Salinas'. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Tiny seeds with a dandelion-like tuft (pappus) to aid in wind dispersal.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Iceberg heads store exceptionally well when handled properly. Remove any damaged outer leaves and wrap the head loosely in paper towels, then place in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Maintain humidity around 95% and temperature between 32-34°F for maximum shelf life of 2-3 weeks.
Unlike other lettuce varieties, Iceberg's dense structure makes it unsuitable for traditional preservation methods like dehydrating or freezing, as these destroy its signature crisp texture. However, you can blanch and freeze chopped Iceberg for use in cooked dishes like stir-fries or soups, though it will lose its crunch.
For extended freshness, core the lettuce and rinse the hollow core area with cold water every few days, wrapping again in fresh paper towels. This prevents the core from browning and maintains overall head quality.
History & Origin
Origin: Mediterranean to Siberia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Chives
Repels aphids and improves lettuce growth and flavor
Carrots
Loosens soil for lettuce roots and doesn't compete for space
Radishes
Breaks up soil, deters flea beetles, and matures quickly between lettuce plantings
Marigolds
Repels nematodes, aphids, and other pests that damage lettuce
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can be interplanted for succession harvests
Garlic
Deters aphids, slugs, and rabbits that commonly attack lettuce
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects that prey on lettuce pests
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes heavily for nutrients and can shade out lettuce
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Tomatoes
Large root system competes for nutrients and water needed by shallow-rooted lettuce
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to tipburn and bottom rot, requires cool conditions to prevent bolting
Common Pests
Aphids, cutworms, wireworms, flea beetles
Diseases
Tipburn, bottom rot, downy mildew, premature bolting in heat