Description
Iceberg Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most globally recognised type of lettuce, known for its dense, round, cabbage-like head and incredible crunch.It is a crisphead variety, meaning the leaves curl tightly around a central core to form a firm, compact ball. The leaves are pale green to white inside and have a high water content.
Flavour & Texture:Its flavour is famously neutral and very mild, making it less complex than Romaine or endive but perfect for salads where texture is paramount. Its crunchy, juicy texture makes it a classic choice for sandwiches, burgers, and classic wedge salads.
Culinary Uses:
Crisp Base: Used extensively as the base for many classic American and European salads.
Taco/Wrap Filler: The firm leaves hold up well against hot ingredients and dressings.
Cultivation: Iceberg is a demanding cool-season crop. To successfully grow crisp heads in Malta, you must manage temperature and moisture carefully to prevent the plant from “bolting” (prematurely shooting up a flower stalk and turning bitter).
When to Plant: The ideal time to transplant Iceberg seedlings in Malta is October through February. This allows the plant to form a head during the coolest months.Avoid: Do not plant in late spring or summer, as high heat (above 25°C) will almost guarantee bolting and bitterness.
Location/Sun: Needs full sun in the winter, but in the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn), provide afternoon shade or use a shade cloth to keep the soil and plant cool.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of added compost.
Watering: Consistent, even moisture is vital. Any water stress, especially sudden dryness in warm weather, will trigger bolting. Water deeply and regularly.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch (like straw or dry grass clippings) around the plant to help keep the soil temperature cool and retain moisture.
Harvesting: Harvest the head once it feels firm and dense when gently squeezed. Cut the head cleanly at the base. Unlike loose-leaf varieties, Iceberg is typically a one-time harvest.
In Warm Weather: If the weather turns warm rapidly, and you notice the plant beginning to stretch upward, it is starting to bolt. Harvest it immediately, even if the head is not fully formed, to salvage the leaves before they become bitter.
Why Buy This Seedling? For gardeners seeking that signature, watery crispness and mild flavour, the Iceberg lettuce is irreplaceable. By following the cool-season planting schedule and careful watering advice, you can enjoy perfectly formed, crunchy heads directly from your Maltese garden during the cooler months.
