Iceberg Lettuce Great Lakes 118 produces large, firm heads with light green, thick, and wonderfully crisp leaves. Its fresh, mild flavour makes this lettuce exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Thanks to its sturdy leaf structure, iceberg lettuce stays fresh longer than many other lettuce varieties and remains crisp even after being mixed with dressing.
Culinarily, iceberg lettuce is ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and tacos. The crisp leaves pair perfectly with tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, avocados, sweetcorn, onions, and radishes, as well as chicken, bacon, tuna, salmon, prawns, and a wide variety of cheeses. The large leaves can also be used as a healthy wrap or as a substitute for bread. Although iceberg lettuce is usually eaten raw, the leaves can also be briefly stir-fried, grilled, or braised. This variety performs best during the cooler months of spring and autumn. Prolonged heat and drought may cause the plants to bolt prematurely, producing a flower stalk before a full head has formed. As a result, the leaves become more bitter and the heads remain smaller. Regular watering and maintaining evenly moist soil help reduce the risk of bolting. During hot summers, a location with light shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial. Non hardy annual.
Outdoor sowing: March - August
Germination: 7- 10 days
Germination temp.: 15 - 18 °C
Sowing depth: ½ cm
Planting distance: 20 - 30 cm
Planting position: sunny
Days till harvest: 55 - 85
Sow directly outdoors from March through August in a well-prepared seedbed. Work the soil until it is fine, loose, and free of weeds. Sow the seeds approximately ½ cm deep and cover them with only a thin layer of fine seed compost. Firm the soil gently so the seeds make good contact with the soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging. At a soil temperature of 15 - 18 °C , the first seedlings usually emerge within 7 - 10 days.
After about three to four weeks, when the seedlings are large enough, thin them out or carefully transplant them. Maintain a spacing of 20 - 30 cm between plants so the heads have enough room to develop fully. Plants growing too closely together produce smaller heads and are more susceptible to fungal diseases.
Iceberg lettuce grows best in a sunny location with fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. During hot summer weather, keep the soil evenly moist. Applying a layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduces the risk of premature bolting. Water regularly, especially during warm and dry periods. A consistent water supply produces firm, tender leaves and helps prevent bitterness. Keep the bed free of weeds so the plants have sufficient access to light, water, and nutrients. For a continuous harvest, sow a small quantity every two to three weeks. This allows you to enjoy fresh lettuce throughout much of the growing season. Protect young seedlings from slugs, which can cause severe damage in a short time. Birds and other pests may also feed on young plants. Fine insect netting or protective garden mesh usually provides effective protection.
Depending on the sowing date and growing conditions, the heads are ready to harvest after approximately 55 - 85 days. Harvest when the heads feel firm and are fully formed. For the freshest and crispest leaves, harvest early in the morning whenever possible.
