Lactuca sativa (Iceberg Lettuce) SEEDS

The Iceberg Lettuce, also known as "Regina dei Ghiacci," is a highly popular lettuce variety, cherished for its crunchiness and the ability to stay fresh for extended periods. This lettuce forms a compact, round head, light green in color, characterized by crispy, juicy leaves. Iceberg is an excellent choice for fresh salads, sandwiches, and as a crunchy base for numerous dishes.

Cultivating Iceberg Lettuce from seed involves several key steps to ensure healthy growth and abundant production:

1. Site Selection: Lettuce prefers a sunny location but can also tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. It's important to choose a site with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

2. Soil Preparation: Work the soil until it's loose and fine, enriching it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.

3. Sowing: Iceberg lettuce seeds can be sown directly in the open ground or initially in containers to be transplanted later. Scatter the seeds lightly over the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until germination.

4. Watering: Provide regular water to the lettuce, maintaining the soil evenly moist but without waterlogging, to prevent root diseases.

5. Spacing and Thinning: If sown densely, thin the seedlings to leave about 12 inches of space between each plant, allowing adequate air circulation and room to grow.

6. Harvesting: Iceberg Lettuce is ready to harvest when the head feels compact to the touch, generally 65-80 days after sowing. Cut the head at the base of the stalk to harvest.

Growing Iceberg Lettuce from seed offers the pleasure of watching this crunchy lettuce variety grow and mature in your garden or vegetable patch, bringing freshness and flavor to summer tables.