Senga's Blog
Eco-chic Outdoor Living & Exterior Design
Apr. 3/10 Year in Sustainable Garden: The Planning Stage: Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce
The Non-Vegetable
Every time I mention that I want to grow Iceberg Lettuce to my chef husband I get the usual ‘glazed over of the eyes’ look to be followed by the comment that there is no value in iceberg lettuce – no nutrients, nothing. But I am determined to grow this edible for a variety of non - related food reasons and they are as follows:
1) They are super easy to grow
2) They actually will grow in the shade - mine thrived in the dampest shadiest part of my edible green roof last year
3) They actually look like those lettuces you see come all nicely packaged from the grocery store (yes I know lame excuse but how many vegetables one grows actually looks like it came perfectly out of the grocery store??)
4) They make great garnishes, wraps and food scoops.
5) And lettuce was considered and aphrodisiac food in ancient Egypt
6) Plus it may be the solution to insomnia as the Ancient Greek physicians believed lettuce could act as a sleep-inducing agent.
Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce
Heirloom Iceberg Lettuce - Information You Need to Know
Botanical name: Latuca sativa
Common Name: Iceberg lettuce
Country of Origin: Southern Iraq over 6,000 years ago!
Description: Iceberg is a head lettuce which has a tightly formed head of crisp sweet leaves. Leaves on the outside are green, giving way to pale blanched yellow to whitish centre leaves. Growing 8-10” in diameter
Best harvested: If you have a big crop, begin to harvest iceberg lettuce after the head begins to form. The outer leaves are edible, but are not sweet like the blanched inner leaves. .Time to Plant: Ideally indoors to get a jump on the cool season as this is a long maturing cool season crop. Or Outdoors April 1 (or after last spring frost) and plant every three weeks to stagger your harvests.
Where to Sow and Grow: Transplant or sown into the garden after all danger of frost has past. Ideally, transplant them on a cool or cloudy day. The soil should be rich and fertile, and well draining. Keep the soil moist.
Space: 30cm (12”) apart
Maturity: 55-65 Days
Tip: Frequent use of nitrogen rich fertilizer is recommended. If growing in hot summer, grow in partial shade to keep plants cool. Make sure to harvest when the heads are big and tightly packed. Once they reach this stage, bolting is but a few days away.
Taste: Valued more for their crunchy texture than for flavour.
Uses: Ice Berg Lettuce is a staple in kitchen for salads or sandwiches, shredded as snacks, a garnish and an essential ingredient in countless recipes.
Place in Square Foot Garden: On edible green roof in the partial shady section.
