• Iceber Lettuce Seed packet Sachet de graines de laitue Iceberg
  • Vibrant Iceberg Seed in a white background Graine d'iceberg vibrante sur fond blanc
  • Lettuce Iceberg Seed packet dimensions Dimensions du paquet de graines de laitue Iceberg
  • Freshly Picked Iceberg Iceberg fraîchement cueilli
  • Healthy Iceberg Leaves Feuilles d'iceberg saines
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JNB Seed

Lettuce Iceberg Seeds

Lettuce Iceberg Seeds

$3.99 CAD
$3.99 CAD
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Seed Count

Iceberg Lettuce, a classic head lettuce, is valued for its crunchy, mild leaves tightly packed into a head approximately 20 centimeters in diameter. Its sturdy texture makes it perfect for wedge salads or providing a satisfying crunch to sandwiches. This lettuce variety thrives in cooler climates, flourishing during the fall, spring, or even in a winter greenhouse environment.

Renowned Heirloom: Iceberg lettuce remains a favored choice among gardeners as a reliable head lettuce variety. It adapts well to both warm and cool weather conditions, exhibiting slow bolting tendencies while retaining its pleasant mild flavor.

Preferred Head Lettuce: Highly esteemed for its neutral taste and exceptional crispness, Iceberg lettuce boasts firm leaves that maintain their structure, lending themselves beautifully to wedge-style salads.

Iceberg lettuce stands out as the top choice for head lettuce, thanks to its firm heads composed of tender, mild green leaves that offer delightful flavor. The tender hearts of these lettuce heads, nearly white in color, make them an excellent addition to home vegetable gardens. With moderate water requirements, Iceberg lettuce typically takes around 85 days to reach maturity.

Originally developed by W. Atlee Burpee & Co. in 1894 from a French Batavian variety, Iceberg lettuce traces its ancestry back to wild lettuce, which originated in Asia Minor. Historically, it graced the tables of Persian kings in the 6th century BCE and gained popularity across Europe over the ensuing centuries. Its introduction to the New World by Columbus marked the beginning of its widespread cultivation across North America, securing its place in gardens worldwide.

How To Grow

Sowing: Iceberg Batavian lettuce seeds can be directly sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 2 degrees Celsius, or as soon as the soil can be worked. Ensure the soil temperature stays below 24 degrees Celsius to prevent seed dormancy. Plant the seeds in rich soil and full sun, spacing them thinly in rows 30-60 centimeters apart. When the seedlings emerge, thin them to a distance of 20-30 centimeters. Succession crops can be planted every two weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing: Due to its shallow roots, lettuce requires consistent moisture to maintain its tender and sweet flavor. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering regularly. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth.

Harvesting

For optimal sweetness, harvest Iceberg Batavian lettuce in the morning. For microgreens, cut the entire plant when it reaches a height of 5-7.5 centimeters above the soil surface. Outer leaves can be harvested throughout the season until the main stem begins to elongate, at which point the leaves may become bitter. To harvest the entire mature plant, cut it just above the soil surface. Freshly harvested lettuce is best but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Seed Saving

As summer progresses and days lengthen, lettuce plants may bolt, producing a flowering stalk. Collect seeds from plants that bolt slowly to preserve desirable traits. After flowering, pods will turn light brown and split open. To prevent seed loss, collect seeds daily by shaking the stalk heads into a bag. Alternatively, remove the entire plant when most pods are ready, and hang it upside down to dry. Extract seeds by shaking or crushing dried pods. Store Iceberg Batavian lettuce seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 years.

Extra Facts

Planting Methods: Directly sow Iceberg lettuce seeds in well-drained soil, spacing them 30-60 centimeters apart in rows, and cover them lightly with soil.

Blooming Season: Iceberg lettuce does not typically bloom as it is harvested before it reaches the flowering stage.

Planting Season: Iceberg lettuce can be planted in early spring when temperatures are consistently above 10 degrees Celsius.

Latin Name/USDA Zones: Latin name: Lactuca sativa. USDA Zones: 2-11.

Sunlight Required/ Height: Requires full sun exposure and grows to a height of 20-30 centimeters.

Shelf Life After Test Date: Shelf life varies but generally ranges from 1 to 3 years after the test date.

Seed Type: Iceberg lettuce seeds are categorized as vegetable seeds.

Soil Type: Iceberg lettuce prefers well-drained loam soil but can tolerate clay or sandy soil with proper amendments.

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