A healthy Iceberg crisphead lettuce with a dense round pale-green head in a sunny garden

How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce From Seed

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Updated July 2026

Iceberg is the crunchy crisphead everyone knows, forming dense, round, pale-green heads of crisp, watery, mild leaves. It is the fussiest lettuce to head up because it needs a long, steady stretch of cool weather, but the payoff is that unmistakable refreshing crunch for wedge salads, burgers, and tacos. Here is what makes this variety special and how to get the best from it.

This is the quick guide to Iceberg. For the full step-by-step on starting seeds, sowing, feeding, and troubleshooting lettuce, see our complete guide to growing lettuce from seed.

Quick start

Sow seed shallow, about an eighth of an inch deep, since lettuce needs light to germinate, and start early for a long cool season. Thin or transplant plants to a generous 10 to 12 inches apart so heads can fill out. Iceberg takes 70 to 85 days to form dense, crunchy heads. Harvest by cutting at the base once the head feels firm and solid.

Best tip

Iceberg is the crunchy crisphead everyone knows, but it is the fussiest lettuce to head up because it needs a long, steady stretch of cool weather. Start it early in spring or grow it as a fall crop, space plants generously so heads can fill out, and keep the water even. In hot-summer regions, iceberg does best planted for fall so the heads mature as the weather cools.

At a glance

Botanical nameLactuca sativa

Plant typeCool-season annual (crisphead)

USDA zones2 to 11 (grown as an annual)

SunFull sun to part shade

Days to maturity70 to 85 days

Height8 to 10 inches

Spacing10 to 12 inches apart

WaterEven and steady; keep moist

Uses

Iceberg is the ultimate crunch lettuce, forming dense, round, pale-green heads of crisp, watery, mild leaves. It is the classic choice for wedge salads, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches where you want cool, refreshing crunch. The tight heads also store longer in the fridge than looser types.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Iceberg lettuce take to grow?

Iceberg is a slow crisphead, taking about 70 to 85 days to form firm, dense heads. It needs a long stretch of cool weather, so start early in spring or grow it as a fall crop.

Why won't my Iceberg lettuce form a head?

Heading fails when it gets too warm or plants are crowded. Iceberg needs steady cool temperatures, generous spacing of 10 to 12 inches, and even moisture. In hot climates, grow it for a fall harvest so heads mature as the weather cools.

What does Iceberg lettuce taste like?

Iceberg forms crisp, watery, pale-green leaves with a very mild, refreshing flavor. It is prized more for its cool crunch than for bold taste, making it perfect for wedge salads and sandwiches.

When do I harvest Iceberg lettuce?

Harvest once the head feels firm and solid when gently squeezed, usually 70 to 85 days after sowing. Cut it at the base in the cool morning, and do not leave mature heads too long or they can split or bolt.

Ready to grow your own? Iceberg is one of the varieties in our lettuce and salad greens pack, so you can grow crisp heads alongside a whole salad garden. For the full step-by-step, see our complete lettuce growing guide linked at the top of this page.

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Want more lettuce? These value packs pair Iceberg with other varieties:

Sale

Lettuce & Greens Seeds Variety Pack – Non-GMO Heirloom22 lettuce & greensAn even bigger salad collection — 22 lettuces and greens for months of fresh leaves in every color and texture.

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By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Maxim founded Organo Republic in 2017 and personally selects, tests, and grows the heirloom, non-GMO varieties the company offers. Under his leadership, Organo Republic was named Agri Business Review’s Top Non-GMO Seed Variety Solution 2026.