Pair of Ice Queen Lettuce heads with chopped lettuce in a white dish on a white background.
Ice Queen Lettuce and a bowl of salad with a fork on a blue background.
An Ice Queen lettuce salad centered on a table surrounded with sliced oranges, a cup of orange juice, and more whole heads of lettuce.
Close-up Ice Queen Lettuce
Ice Queen Lettuce salad greens on a plate with corn salt and pepper shakers on yellow with white polka dot background.
Pair of Ice Queen Lettuce heads with chopped lettuce in a white dish on a white background.
Ice Queen Lettuce and a bowl of salad with a fork on a blue background.
An Ice Queen lettuce salad centered on a table surrounded with sliced oranges, a cup of orange juice, and more whole heads of lettuce.
Close-up Ice Queen Lettuce
Ice Queen Lettuce salad greens on a plate with corn salt and pepper shakers on yellow with white polka dot background.

Lettuce Seeds,
Ice Queen

4.56 ReviewsSKU: #LT166Min. seed count: 250
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
Save $-3
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

(Lactuca sativa) Crisphead. Also known as Reine des Glaces, this wholly superior crisphead (iceberg) type shows excellent tolerance to cold, and makes a great crop to plant extra early or late! The frilled outer leaves are mild enough to use for leaf lettuce, or harvest as baby greens. With its darker green color and ever-so-slightly bitter interior, it's widely regarded as the best crisphead type around!

Growing Tips: Ice Queen, or Reine des Glaces, lettuce grows best between 60-80 F and is a resilient variety that can handle both early spring and fall planting. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors once the soil can be worked. This lettuce prefers well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter and needs full sun to partial shade, 4-8 hours of sun daily. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Lactuca sativa
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
4–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
80
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Ice Queen Lettuce does well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. In northern regions, the best time to plant is in early spring, while in southern areas, autumn planting is recommended for a winter harvest. For specific planting dates, consult your local extension office or USDA hardiness zone chart to determine frost/freeze dates in the spring and fall​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil. Sow in thick bands for baby greens or space 8 inches apart for head lettuce. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings after the last frost date has passed. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before planting them in the garden​​.

How to Grow

Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, avoiding both dry and waterlogged conditions. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost to promote healthy growth. Ice Queen lettuce is resistant to many diseases, but monitor for pests like aphids and slugs. Harvest the lettuce when the heads are firm and crisp, around 80 days after planting​​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Lettuce is a self-pollinating annual, making it an easy crop for seed saving.
  • Choose the best and healthiest plants and allow them to send up flower stalks.
  • Once seed heads are dried and have turned a yellowish-tan color, cut the entire stalk and place in a bag.
  • Crush the seed heads in the bag and separate the chaff.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 years.

FAQ

When should I harvest Ice Queen lettuce?

Harvest when the heads are firm and crisp, usually around 80 days after planting.

Can I grow Ice Queen lettuce in containers?

Yes, Ice Queen lettuce can be grown in containers. Ensure the container has adequate depth and drainage, and use a high-quality potting mix. Maintain consistent watering to keep the soil moist​.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Ice Queen lettuce?

It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. It needs full sun to partial shade and consistent moisture. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted in early spring or late summer​.

Browse our full range of lettuce seeds.
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout.
You may also like