Growing iceberg lettuce in your own garden is not difficult at all. There are just a few important points to keep in mind for a good yield.
The iceberg lettuce has only been cultivated in Europe for about a quarter of a century. The plants were first cultivated on the east coast of the USA. When transport to the western part of the country became difficult at the beginning of the 20th century, the heads of lettuce were placed on blocks of ice. Hence the name iceberg lettuce.
Iceberg lettuce is particularly appreciated for its firm and crunchy leaves. In addition, the vegetables stay fresh for a long time and can be used in many ways. For example, iceberg lettuce is a popular ingredient in summer salads. It can also be cultivated in the vegetable garden if you follow a few tips. In this article, we will explain how you can best do this.
Location and Ground
Iceberg lettuce is quite undemanding in cultivation. The plants do well in a sunny to semi-shady location. A loose and nutrient-rich soil is also important for the successful cultivation of the popular lettuce plant. Therefore, supply the soil with compost or vegetable soil before planting. Then the plants get an optimal start to growth. Incidentally, iceberg lettuce finds ideal conditions at a pH value of 7.
Tip:
You can quickly determine the pH value of the soil yourself using commercially available test kits.
Which planting neighbors are suitable for iceberg lettuce?
Before planting in the vegetable garden, you should consider crop rotation and mixed cultures. Because iceberg lettuce has good and bad planting neighbors.
| ideal plants for mixed cultivation | unsuitable plants for mixed cultivation |
|---|---|
| • Tomatoes • Celery • Spinach • Radishes | • other types of lettuce • other daisy plants |
Anyone who grows iceberg lettuce more frequently should change their location and take a break from cultivation of four years.
Tip:
Spinach, leeks or cereals are suitable for pre-cultivating iceberg lettuce.
Buy iceberg lettuce plants - you shouldnote
If you don't want to grow iceberg lettuce plants yourself, you can buy young plants in spring in garden centers or at weekly markets, which can be planted out after the ice saints. When buying, however, you should take a close look at the plants. Make sure that:
- the leaves and stems are undamaged
- do not rot the root ball
- there are no signs of damage
- the plants are organically grown
When can iceberg lettuce be grown?
There are several options for growing iceberg lettuce:
- Prepare young plants yourself
- Sow iceberg lettuce directly into the bed
- Buy young plants and put them outdoors
The timing of cultivation depends on the cultivation method chosen. If you want to grow the plants yourself, you can start in late winter. From the beginning of February, the seeds can be germinated on the windowsill or in the heated greenhouse. Sowing outdoors should only be carried out when no more night frosts are to be expected. This is usually the case from mid-May. Then it is also the time to bring the young plants you have bought into the bed.
Sowing and planting of iceberg lettuce
❍ Step 1 - Loosen the soil:
Before iceberg lettuce is planted, the bed must be prepared. To do this, loosen the soil thoroughly. Weeds, stones and roots must be removed.
❍ Step 2 - Work compost/fertilizer into soil:
You can then enrich the soil with compost or another organic fertilizer. The fertilizer has a long-term effect and provides the lettuce plants with the necessary nutrients throughout the growing season.
❍ Step 3 - Sow/plant iceberg lettuce:
For no-till seeding, you must first make seed furrows 30 centimeters apart. Smooth the floor well beforehand. The maximum depth should not exceed one centimeter, because the iceberg lettuce is one of the light germinators. Then cover the seeds only lightly with soil.
❍ Step 4 - separate young plants:
If the temperature is between 10 and 18 degrees, germination will start after ten days at the latest. After germination, the young plants are then separated at a distance of 30 to 35 centimeters. Early or purchased young plants are also planted at this distance and watered well.
Harvest Iceberg Lettuce
About three months after sowingthe iceberg lettuce can be harvested. You can then harvest fresh heads of lettuce well into October. With Batavia lettuce there is even a new variety available, which can be harvested just eight weeks after sowing.
Once the leaves and head are fully developed, don't waste any time. The iceberg lettuce can then be harvested within a few days. The best way to do this is to cut off the head of lettuce close to the ground in the early morning when the leaves are particularly crisp and fresh. The iceberg lettuce can then be stored in the refrigerator for ten to 14 days.