Green Ice

Lettuce

55d to harvest

Cool, crisp leaves unfurl in a pale green that looks like fresh morning light—Green Ice delivers a refreshing crunch with a clean, gently sweet flavor. Loose-leaf heads form quickly, with tender, ruffled texture that stays pleasantly crisp for salads and quick garnishes. Grow it for reliable early harvests and a bright, garden-fresh bite that shines in fresh servings and leafy blends, as well as in chilled, tangy preparations.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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)	5

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely with Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how do I manage it?

In home gardens, lettuce commonly gets downy mildew (often showing pale yellow patches with fuzzy growth on the underside) and aphids that cluster on tender new leaves. Remove affected leaves early and improve airflow; water the soil, not the foliage, to reduce mildew spread. If aphids appear, spray plants with a strong jet of water and repeat every 2–3 days until clusters drop off, avoiding soaking the leaves.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during its main growing phase to keep it crisp?

During the main growth period (about weeks 2–8), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, split into smaller waterings if temperatures rise. Lettuce quickly turns bitter or bolts when the soil swings between dry and wet, so check moisture at 1–2 inches deep and water when it feels just slightly dry at that depth.

How can I tell when Lactuca sativa ‘Green Ice’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads (or leaf mass, if you grow it as loose leaf) have reached a usable size and leaves are firm, not limp, typically around 55 days from sowing. For the best flavor, pick in the morning when leaves are crisp, and stop harvesting when plants start sending up a flowering stalk (bolting).