Ice Queen

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Ice Queen to a garden.

Cool, crisp, and strikingly refreshing—Ice Queen forms tight, snow-white heads with a glassy crunch and a clean, delicate sweetness.

The leaves are thick and resilient, holding their ruffled, pale-green heart with a satisfying bite that stays crisp in the garden. Ideal for crisphead salads and elegant fresh platters, Ice Queen is a standout choice when you want a beautiful head lettuce that looks as pristine as it tastes.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

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Ice Queen Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 27th	May 25th	Aug 8th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 21st	May 19th	Aug 2nd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 15th	May 13th	Jul 27th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 10th	May 8th	Jul 22nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 6th	May 4th	Jul 18th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 3rd	May 1st	Jul 15th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 28th	Apr 25th	Jul 9th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 23rd	Apr 20th	Jul 4th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 13th	Apr 10th	Jun 24th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 4th	Apr 1st	Jun 15th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 23rd	Mar 23rd	Jun 6th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 6th	Mar 6th	May 20th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 12th	Feb 9th	Apr 25th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ice Queen’s thick, glassy leaves stay crisp and stand up to sharp, acidic dressings without going greasy or collapsing. Use it when you want that cold, refreshing snap—then let briny salt and tang (lemon/vinegar) do the loud work.

Best Uses

cold iceberg-style salads where you want maximum bite (not wilted leaves)
crisp lettuce cups for fresh fillings—holds structure without turning limp
shredded crosswise in slaws with a lighter touch of vinegar
fresh platter lettuce wedges with vinaigrette and flaky salt

Flavor Profile

glassy, water-crisp crunch clean, delicate sweetness thick, resilient leaves with a snappy bite mild, refreshing finish with low bitterness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette blue cheese cherry tomatoes cucumber grilled chicken bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly hits Lactuca sativa (iceberg-type lettuce), and how can I treat it early?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails on young Lactuca sativa, especially in warm, humid weather. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray and encourage lady beetles; for slugs, hand-pick at dusk and set copper tape or boards as barriers around beds. If you see gray, fuzzy mold on leaves (botrytis) or sudden leaf rot, remove affected leaves immediately and space plants to improve airflow so foliage dries quickly after watering.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the ~60 days leading up to harvest (after seedlings establish), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil to about 1 inch deep. Water in the morning, typically 2–3 times per week depending on heat, increasing frequency when leaves begin to droop or soil dries out quickly. Avoid letting the soil swing between very dry and very wet, because Lactuca sativa is prone to stress that can trigger bitter flavor and premature bolting.

How do I tell when Lactuca sativa is ready to harvest (75 days to maturity)?

Harvest when heads/rosettes feel firm for their size and outer leaves are fully expanded and crisp, usually around day 75. If you gently press the head and it gives a little instead of springing back firmly, it’s ready; if it feels loose, wait a bit. For best texture, harvest in the cool part of the day and cut at the base just above the soil line.