Iceberg lettuce, also known as cracker lettuce, is a further breeding of the well-known lettuce. Many hobby gardeners like to plant it because it can be harvested almost all year round. It forms dense and compact heads with crisp leaves.
plant
Iceberg lettuce can be grown on the windowsill or in the greenhouse from February to April. It can be planted in the bed when the first two leaves have formed and there is no longer any danger of frost.
From mid-March a culture in the cold frame is possible, which should be covered at night.
maintenance
- Iceberg lettuce loves a sunny to semi-shady location and should be able to be protected against a sudden cold snap (below 10 °C) in spring.
- It needs loose, humus-rich and moist soil, so hoe it often and pull weeds.
- The young plants need a distance of 30 - 35 cm so that the head of lettuce can develop well.
- Once the head has started to form, the lettuce should no longer be watered from above, but only in the area of the roots.
- Protect the plants with crop nets against pests such as snails, aphids and birds.
To harvest
It takes about eight to twelve weeks until the harvest. It makes sense to sow or plant the lettuce in stages by July, then it can be harvested fresh until October.
To harvest, the entire head of lettuce is cut off just above the ground, early in the morning if possible.
The iceberg lettuce can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. It is particularly crisp when well chilled. Before cooking, the outer leaves are removed. It can be prepared like lettuce, or paired with fried bacon and boiled ham. The fresh iceberg lettuce can also be served with sweet, fruity or savory ingredients.
tips and tricks
Fertilizers are not used if the garden bed is well prepared with compost. Alternatively, nettle liquid manure can be poured.