Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce Seeds (1g)

These Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce Seeds produce large, compact heads with mild flavor superior to the supermarket variety.

The heart is tender and almost white with light-green outer leaves. 1894 American heirloom and ready for harvest in 75 days.

Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce Seeds Planting Instructions

Starting Off:

Direct-seeding – As soon as the soil can be worked, sow seeds 1/8 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.

Transplants – Sow in 1-inch cells 3 to 4 weeks before moving them outdoors.

Planting Tips:

Thinning – When plants develop 2 or 3 true leaves, thin crisphead to 12-inch spacing, others to 6 to 10 inches.

Light – Seeds require light to germinate. Avoid planting too deep.

Timing & Spacing:

Succession Plantings – For a continuous supply, make plantings every 1 to 2 weeks. Try different varieties with varying maturity dates.

Spacing – Space crisphead transplants 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. For others, aim for 6 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.

Growth & Care:

Moisture – Lettuce has shallow roots. Keep the soil moist and mulch to retain moisture.

Shade & Protection – Use row covers for early frost protection and shade crops during warm weather.

Late Season Tips:

For fall crops, time maturity around the first expected frost. Mature plants aren't as frost-tolerant as seedlings.

Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce Seeds Harvesting Instructions

Harvesting:

• Leaf lettuce – Ready to cut 50 to 60 days from planting. Cut every other plant for better growth of remaining plants.
• Romaine & Butterhead lettuce – Usually ready in 60 to 70 days from planting.
• Crisphead varieties – Harvest as soon as a head develops, but before the outer leaves turn brown.

Immediate Action:

• If you see seed stalks, immediately pick and store the lettuce to prevent bitterness.

Storing:

1. Wash lettuce thoroughly in water, place in a colander, and rinse.
2. Let it drip dry.
3. When dry, place in a plastic bag or wrap in paper towels and store in the refrigerator.
   • Best stored at 32°F with 96% humidity.
   • Avoid storing with apples, pears, or bananas to prevent brown spots and quick decay.

Saving Seeds

Rubbing separates the plumes and chaff from the seeds. When completely dry, shake the flower stems in the bag. Rub the seed heads between your hands to release more seeds.

Put the seed through a fine mesh sieve that allows the seeds through, but retains the chaff and plumes; this will give relatively clean seed.

Winnowing is difficult because seeds and chaff are about the same size and weight. For extra cleaning, use reverse screening with a smaller mesh that retains the seed, but lets small pieces of chaff and plume through.

The dust produced during cleaning causes irritation to the lungs and eyes. If cleaning large amounts use a mask and goggles or clean outdoors.

Made in the USA.