Iceberg

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Crisp as freshly fallen snow, Iceberg forms tight, pale-green heads with a cool, watery crunch that practically sings with every bite.

The leaves are thick and shingled, holding their snap through harvest and storage, making this crisphead a dependable centerpiece for fresh salads and bright, refreshing garnishes. Grow Iceberg for a classic, garden-grown crunch at about 70 days—clean, sturdy, and beautifully uniform from row to row.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Iceberg’s whole job is texture: thick, shingled leaves give you a glassy crunch with a clean, mild finish that survives dressing longer than delicate lettuces. It’s the lettuce you reach for when you want cold, crisp bite in a sandwich or salad—no wilted drama.

Best Uses

cold salads where you want bite-through structure
ice-cold lettuce cups for crunchy fillings (tacos, crab salad, chicken salad)
crisp sandwich and burger layers that won’t immediately collapse
garnish duty for chopped crunch and texture on grain bowls

Flavor Profile

cool, watery crunch mild, clean lettuce sweetness thick, shingled leaves that stay snappy

Kitchen Pairings

lemon bacon blue cheese ranch dressing chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common disease problem for Lactuca sativa (iceberg lettuce) and how can I prevent it?

Leaf lettuce/iceberg commonly suffers from downy mildew (often showing pale yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath). Avoid overhead watering, keep seedlings spaced for airflow, and remove affected outer leaves early to slow spread. If conditions stay cool and damp, switch to a labeled downy-mildew treatment for leafy greens and keep the beds mulched to reduce splashback.

How often should I water iceberg lettuce during its main growing phase?

During the 45–70 days toward maturity, water to keep soil evenly moist 2–3 in. deep—aim for consistent moisture rather than letting it dry out between waterings. In warm spells, this often means watering every 2–4 days, but adjust so the soil never dries out fully; in cooler weather you may water weekly. If lettuce gets too dry, heads may not tighten well and edges can turn bitter.

How do I tell when iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the head feels firm and compact when gently squeezed, with leaves tightly layered and no loose, open center. Typical timing is about 70 days from sowing, but focus on head firmness and size rather than the calendar alone. Cut the head at the base in the morning for crisp leaves, and pick before prolonged heat that can cause loosening.