Ice Queen Lettuce

Ice Queen Lettuce seeds produce a French heirloom iceberg-type variety prized for its deeply lobed, jagged-edged outer leaves and a tightly wrapped, crisp interior head. Unlike standard iceberg varieties, Ice Queen offers real visual character in the garden — its ruffled, bright green foliage forms a loose-to-semi-firm head with exceptional texture. The leaves are tender yet substantial, with a clean, mild sweetness and satisfying crunch that holds up well in salads, wraps, and slaws. Its standout quality is genuine cold tolerance, making it a reliable performer in cool seasons when many other lettuces struggle.

Growing Guide

Ice Queen reaches maturity in approximately 60 to 75 days from transplant, or 80 to 90 days from direct sow. It performs best in full sun to partial shade, particularly appreciating afternoon shade in warmer climates to slow bolting. Sow seeds directly into the garden 2 to 4 weeks before your last expected frost in spring, or in late summer for an autumn harvest — this variety genuinely shines in cool conditions between 45°F and 65°F (7°C–18°C).

Direct sow seeds shallowly, just ⅛ inch deep, as lettuce requires light to germinate well. Thin seedlings to 10 to 12 inches apart to allow heads to develop fully. Ice Queen adapts well to both in-ground beds and large containers. Soil should be fertile, consistently moist, and well-draining — a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting and keep moisture even throughout the growing period to encourage steady, compact head development. Difficulty level: beginner-friendly.

Harvest & Use

Harvest heads when they feel firm at the center but before the outer leaves begin to loosen excessively or show signs of bolting — typically when plants reach 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Cut at the base with a clean knife in the cool of the morning for best shelf life. Ice Queen's crisp texture and mild, slightly buttery flavour make it a versatile kitchen workhorse: excellent shredded into coleslaw-style salads, used as sturdy wraps for grain or protein fillings, or simply torn into wedges with a light vinaigrette. The jagged outer leaves also make a striking garnish or salad base.

Freshly harvested heads store well in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days when wrapped loosely in a damp cloth or placed in a sealed container. For cut-and-come-again use, harvest outer leaves individually to extend productivity before the head fully matures.

A dependable French heirloom that rewards both patient spring growers and those chasing the last harvests of autumn, Ice Queen delivers consistent quality across a long cool-season window.