Iceberg Lettuce Seeds

Iceberg Lettuce is a dependable classic known for its crisp, refreshing heads and easy growth. This slow-bolting variety has remained a favorite among gardeners for its consistent performance and reliable results. Iceberg thrives even as temperatures warm, producing compact heads with excellent texture and quality. It also shows strong resistance to common issues like rib discoloration and tip burn, making it a solid choice for home gardens and raised beds.

Seed Packet Details

• Approximate Seed Count: ~1,200 seeds (Standard home-garden packet)

Packed with care and shipped from Kentucky.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Variety: Iceberg Lettuce
Seed Type: Open-pollinated heirloom
Life Cycle: Annual

What to Expect

Iceberg lettuce forms compact, crisp heads with bright green leaves and a refreshing crunch. This variety grows steadily and is slow to bolt, even as temperatures begin to warm. Plants produce uniform heads with good texture and reliable quality, making Iceberg lettuce a dependable choice for home gardens and successive plantings.

Growing Basics

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade

• Plant Height: 10–20 inches

• Start Method: Transplant recommended

• Sow Depth: 1/8 inch

• Plant Spacing: 10–12 inches

• Row Spacing: 18 inches

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 85 days

Growing Guide: Iceberg Lettuce

Overview

Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that grows quickly and can tolerate light frost when young. Because it matures fast, planting in stages every few weeks helps ensure a steady harvest rather than everything being ready at once.

Before Planting

Iceberg lettuce can be planted early in the season, as soon as the soil can be worked. It grows best in cooler conditions, ideally when daytime temperatures stay around 60–65°F. Choosing the right variety is especially important if planting later in the season, as high temperatures can affect germination. Lettuce seeds may pause germination if soil temperatures get too warm, so avoid using heat mats and aim for cooler soil conditions for best results.

Planting

Lettuce seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors for transplanting.

Direct Seeding

• Seeds will sprout in cool soil, even around 40°F

• Germination slows significantly above 75°F

• Sow seeds lightly, about 1/8 inch deep

• Space seeds 2–3 inches apart

• Rows should be 12–18 inches apart

• Thin plants to 10–12 inches apart for full-size iceberg heads

Keep soil consistently moist during germination to promote even sprouting.

Starting Indoors (Transplants)

• Sow seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before planting outside

• Place 2–3 seeds per cell and cover lightly

• Keep soil temperatures below 70°F during germination

• Move seedlings to a cooler, shaded area rather than direct sunlight

• Harden plants by gradually reducing water and temperature for a few days before transplanting

Well-hardened lettuce transplants can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F. Space transplants 10–12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.

Watering

Lettuce prefers consistently moist soil. Water once or twice per week, or about every four days, especially during dry periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Fertilizing

Lettuce is generally low-maintenance, but it benefits from nutrient-rich soil. Mixing in organic matter or compost before planting is helpful. A light application of an organic or slow-release fertilizer a few weeks after transplanting can support healthy growth.

Days to Maturity

Leaves can be harvested at any stage once they are large enough to use. Harvesting earlier often results in better flavor, as older leaves may become bitter. Full head maturity typically occurs around 85 days.

Harvesting

For head lettuce, harvest by cutting the plant at the base near the soil line. Harvest early in the day for best freshness. Lettuce stores best in a cool, dark place with high humidity and can keep for up to 2–3 weeks.

Growing Tips

Providing shade during hot weather helps prevent stress. Planting lettuce near taller crops, such as tomatoes, can help protect leaves from intense afternoon sun.