🌱 How to Grow Lettuce Iceberg (Round) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: आइसबर्ग सलाद (Iceberg Salad)

• Tamil: ஆइस்பெர்க் சொலட் (Iceberg Salad)

• Telugu: ఐస్‌బెర్గ్ సలాడ్ (Iceberg Salad)

• Malayalam: ഐസ്‌ബർഗ് സലാഡ് (Iceberg Salad)

• Kannada: ಐಸ್‌ಬರ್ಗ್ ಸೆಲಾಡ್ (Iceberg Salad)

• English: Iceberg Lettuce

• Botanical name: Lactuca sativa

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season crop

• Best time to sow: September to February (fall and winter months)

• Avoid hot summer; lettuce bolts quickly in heat

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, well-drained, fertile loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost or well-rotted manure before planting

• Soil should retain moisture but drain well

3. Sow the Seeds

• Sow seeds directly or start in seed trays

• Depth: Sow seeds very shallow, about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart for heads to form

• Water lightly after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

• Water daily in dry weather or every alternate day

• Mulch to retain moisture and keep soil cool

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–14 days

• Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Prefers cooler temperatures from 10°C to 21°C

• Avoid hot, direct midday sun in summer

7. Fertilization

• Add compost or balanced organic fertilizer every 3 weeks

• Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent leafy growth without heads

• Side-dress with compost tea or liquid fertilizer for best results

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, slugs, snails

• Use neem oil spray or handpick pests

• Keep planting area weed-free and well-ventilated

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 70–90 days

• Harvest when heads are firm and compact

• Cut at base with a sharp knife to avoid damaging plant

10. Regrow Tip

• Lettuce is usually grown as an annual

• Save seeds from mature plants for next season

• Store seeds in a cool, dry place

🌿 Health Benefits of Iceberg Lettuce

• Low in calories and fat

• Good source of vitamins A, C, and K

• Provides hydration due to high water content

• Supports digestion and skin health