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Iceberg or crisphead lettuce
Asteraceae
Organic leafy vegetable seeds
Organic ‘Crispino’ iceberg lettuce
Lactuca sativa
‘Crispino’ is iceberg lettuce producing a large, uniform, firm, dense, glossy head with green wrapper leaves and crisp white interior leaves. It generally reaches maturity in approximately 57 days. Sufficient spacing, uninterrupted growth, and cool temperatures encourage head closure. The variety is described as resistant to unspecified disorders, but no resistance to a particular disease is confirmed. Sow small amounts every two or three weeks so all heads do not mature together. Maintain steady moisture, provide light afternoon shade during heat, and harvest once heads are full before bolting. Chill promptly after cutting and refrigerate in a clean container. Use the tender outer leaves first.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Annual vegetable
Discover the plant
Common nameIceberg lettuce, crisphead lettuce
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusLactuca
Speciessativa
CultivarCrispino
TypeIceberg or crisphead lettuce
Botanical nameLactuca sativa
Reproducible seedsYes
Organic ‘Crispino’ iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is crisphead lettuce producing a large firm dense glossy head surrounded by green leaves and filled with crisp white interior leaves. Unlike leaf lettuce picked progressively, it is mainly grown for a complete tightly formed head. Fresh brittle texture suits salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, wraps, and garnishes where abundant crunch is desired. Sound tender wrapper leaves may also be chopped into salads or wraps rather than discarded. The closed head also cuts neatly into uniform wedges for attractive serving at family meals.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked or start plants three to four weeks before transplanting. Barely cover seed and maintain cool temperatures for uniform emergence. Space plants 25–30 cm apart in rows 38–45 cm apart so every head forms without competition and air moves around foliage. Choose loose fertile soil enriched with mature compost, moisture-retentive, and well drained. Grow in sun during cool weather; in heat, light afternoon shade and steady watering reduce stress. Water transplants immediately and keep the shallow root zone evenly moist throughout head formation. Keep the crown above soil level and weed shallowly around roots.
Maturity is approximately 57 days. Harvest once the head is full, firm under light pressure, and still fresh before the central stem begins elongating. Cut at soil level early in the morning, remove only damaged wrapper leaves, and chill immediately. ‘Crispino’ is described as resistant to certain unspecified disorders, but no resistance to a particular disease is confirmed. Good rotation, drainage, and airflow remain essential. Wash harvested heads carefully, dry them, and refrigerate promptly in a clean container. Keep cut heads shaded outdoors and discard every slimy or mouldy leaf.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Barely covered, approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm (1/8 to 1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Thin to approximately 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in), with 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) between rows
Germination temperature
Approximately 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F); germination drops sharply in hot soil
Germination time
Approximately 7 to 10 days
Sowing period
Early spring as soon as soil can be worked; late summer for an autumn harvest
Propagation
Direct sowing or indoor sowing three to four weeks before transplanting
Growing method
Sow on the surface of fine moist soil and cover only 0.3–0.5 cm. Keep cool until emergence. Thin promptly to retain 25–30 cm between plants and 38–45 cm between rows; crowded plants cannot close into heads. Harden three- to four-week-old transplants gradually and set without burying the crown. Water immediately, maintain steady growth, and make small successive sowings. Provide light afternoon shade during warm periods. Keep the seedbed evenly moist with a gentle stream and remove excess seedlings early without disturbing those retained. Apply light mulch after establishment to limit splashing and drying. Monitor head closure without squeezing foliage. For summer, sow early in the morning, shade the bed until emergence, and choose the coolest available location. Harvest the entire head once it becomes round and evenly firm before the centre elongates. Avoid recently diseased beds, improve drainage, and rotate with unrelated crops. Label every sowing date and chill each harvested head promptly. Remove bolting or badly diseased plants immediately. Preserve all sound wrapper leaves until head closure. Check moisture daily during heat, keep the crown dry, and inspect for slugs or aphids beneath outer foliage. Harvest in the morning and keep the cut head shaded until refrigeration.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Keep the surface consistently moist during germination with a very gentle stream so barely covered seeds are not displaced. Once established, water deeply as soon as the top one or two centimetres begin to dry. Shallow roots poorly tolerate cycles of drought and excess water; this stress encourages bitterness, tipburn, and bolting. Water early in the morning at soil level or by drip, avoid splashing soil onto leaves, and apply light mulch after thinning. Check containers daily in hot or windy weather.
Soil type
Prepare loose fine fertile soil enriched with mature compost, able to retain steady moisture without becoming waterlogged. Lettuce has relatively shallow roots; crusted, compact, or very sandy soil quickly slows growth and makes foliage more bitter. Aim for approximately pH 6.0–7.0. Incorporate organic matter before sowing rather than placing fresh manure near leaves. Improve drainage in heavy soil and avoid beds where root diseases or other lettuce disease has recently occurred.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before sowing and correct fertility according to a soil test or label directions. Lettuce requires moderate steady nutrition; one light balanced feed at planting is generally sufficient in fertile soil. If foliage pales after thinning, side-dress one small nitrogen dose and water. Avoid heavy or late applications that create soft tissue, increase some disorders, and make harvested produce harder to cool. Never apply granular fertilizer onto leaves and stop feeding shortly before whole-rosette harvest.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil without saturation
Seasonal care
In spring, sow small amounts every two or three weeks and protect seedlings from slugs through regular inspection and a clean garden. Thin early for airflow. In summer, use light shade cloth during very hot afternoons, maintain uninterrupted watering, and harvest before bolting. In fall, resume sowing as nights cool and protect from first frost with row cover. Promptly remove severely diseased plants and rotate with unrelated crops. Also monitor aphids under leaves and slugs in damp areas; remove them by hand where practical and keep the garden clean. Do not continually pick wrapper leaves needed for closure. During a heat wave, water early, maintain light shade, and harvest every head whose stem elongates. After heavy rain, check drainage and remove slimy leaves. Wash harvested heads, dry them, and refrigerate promptly. Record sowing, closure, and harvest dates to adjust later successions. Clean containers after disease and replace contaminated mix. Keep paths clear so repeated inspections do not compact wet soil. Remove badly diseased plants rather than leaving them beside younger batches, and clean tools before moving to a healthy row. After heavy rain, vent covers, replace displaced mulch, and inspect crowns for rot. Keep the harvest basket clean and shaded. Never leave a cut head in direct sun during maintenance. Inspect irrigation lines for leaks and thin crowded batches promptly. Wash hands before handling foliage intended to be eaten raw. Label each batch, harvest the oldest first, and sanitize tools before moving from a diseased row to a healthy one.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and approximately 5 to 7 L per plant
Grow one head in a stable container at least 25–30 cm deep and approximately 30 cm wide, with several drainage holes. Use light fertile potting mix enriched with mature compost and place in sun during cool weather. Keep the crown above the mix and water once the top centimetre begins drying without leaving water in the saucer. Rotate the pot weekly for even light. During a heat wave, provide light afternoon shade and move the container away from heat-reflecting walls. Do not repeatedly remove leaves needed for head formation. Harvest the entire head once full and firm, then wash and chill immediately. Sow a second pot two or three weeks later to stagger production. Check drainage after heavy rain and remove bolting plants promptly. Label the pot with its sowing date and preserve enough space around the container for airflow. Check moisture daily during hot or windy weather without repeatedly wetting the centre. Remove only diseased or slimy wrapper leaves during formation. After heavy rain, empty the saucer, inspect drainage, and return the pot to its bright position. Wash harvested foliage between layers, dry it, and refrigerate promptly. Start with clean mix and sanitize any reused container that previously held diseased lettuce. Keep the harvest shaded outdoors.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)
Width / spread
Approximately 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 in)
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Green to blue-green
Foliage type
Broad blue-green leaves borne on long petioles
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Low rosette closing into a large compact firm head
Fragrance
Mild fresh crisp flavour typical of leaf lettuce
Bloom period
When heat, long days, or stress triggers bolting, the rosette rapidly elongates a branched stalk bearing small yellow flowers. This stage may occur in the first season and marks the end of the best leaf quality. Harvest once the centre stretches to avoid bitter tough foliage, or allow only one healthy plant to bloom when volunteer seedlings and dispersal will not cause a problem.
Fruiting
After flowering, small dry beaked fruits with a tuft may form and release seed. This stage is not desired for leaf production because the rosette becomes bitter and directs energy toward reproduction. Cut the stalk before dispersal to limit volunteer seedlings, or allow only one healthy plant to dry when seed saving is clearly permitted and identified. Keep seed separate from lettuce intended for food and discard every mouldy portion.
Days to maturity
Approximately 57 days
Harvest
Begin checking at approximately 55 days and harvest once the head is round, full, and firm under light pressure without becoming hard. Cut the stem at soil level early in the morning with a clean knife and keep a few intact wrapper leaves to protect the heart during handling. Chill immediately, remove only damaged parts, and wash just before use. Refrigerate in a perforated bag. An elongating central stem, loosening head, or increasing bitterness indicates immediate harvest.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Radish, green onion, and low herbs may temporarily occupy spaces between young lettuce plants when harvested before rosettes reach full width. A pea trellis positioned at a distance may provide light afternoon shade without blocking airflow. These combinations mainly organize space and guarantee no protection from pests or disease. Avoid root competition and remove companions that dry the soil, constantly touch leaves, or make harvest difficult. Rotate the bed afterward with an unrelated family and do not crowd younger successions beside diseased plants.
Plants to avoid
Parsley, celery
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Leaves and tender centre, thoroughly washed; avoid very bitter bolted plants
‘Crispino’ lettuce wedges — Remove damaged wrapper leaves, thoroughly wash one sound head in cold water, and dry. Cut into four wedges while retaining a small core section to hold each portion together. Whisk 30 ml plain yogurt, 15 ml lemon juice, 15 ml oil, pepper, and one pinch salt. Spoon over wedges and add chives and radish. Serve immediately. Keep cold and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. For a fuller meal, add cooked chickpeas, thoroughly cooked chicken, or a cooked egg immediately before serving. Taste the dressing before salting because toppings may already be seasoned. Use a clean cutting board, wash hands, and prevent cross-contamination with raw animal foods. Do not leave wedges at room temperature for an extended period and promptly return unused portions to the refrigerator. Dress only the amount being served so remaining leaves stay crisp. Chill every prepared portion promptly and discard every slimy or abnormal-smelling leaf before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Is ‘Crispino’ a true iceberg lettuce?
Yes. It is true crisphead or iceberg lettuce producing large glossy firm heads with white interior leaves. It therefore needs wider spacing than leaf lettuce and should grow until the head closes. Green wrapper leaves protect the paler heart. If the rosette remains open, first check heat, water shortage, competition, and maturity before assuming a varietal problem. Harvest early in the morning and chill promptly. Wash carefully between leaves, use slightly marked portions first, and discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling leaf. Preserve wrapper leaves until the head is ready. Wide spacing and uninterrupted moisture improve the likelihood of uniform closure.
How can head readiness be judged?
Place a hand gently over the top without crushing foliage. A ready head feels full, round, and evenly firm but not hard like a solid object. Begin checking at approximately 55 days. Harvest immediately if the central stem elongates, the head begins loosening, or leaves become bitter. Cut early in the morning and chill quickly because lettuce left in sunlight after cutting rapidly loses crispness and storage quality. After cutting, keep the head shaded, wash it, and refrigerate without delay. Do not leave a mature head hardening in the garden for several days, especially when heat is forecast. Inspect every successive batch regularly.
Which resistances are confirmed for ‘Crispino’?
‘Crispino’ is described as resistant to certain disorders without precisely naming the diseases or disorders involved. No specific resistance to downy mildew, mosaic, bottom rot, corky root rot, or tipburn is therefore confirmed. For best results, use crop rotation, good drainage, sufficient airflow, and sound seed, then promptly remove severely affected plants. Clean tools before moving from a diseased bed to a healthy one and avoid carrying soil on footwear. Monitor every batch because problems may vary with soil and weather. Record symptoms and locations before removing affected plants, keep infected residue away from healthy crops, and water near the soil early in the day.
How can poor summer germination be avoided?
Sow early in the morning into pre-moistened soil and lightly shade the bed until emergence. Lettuce seed needs light and germinates poorly when buried deeply or when soil remains very warm. Cover only a few millimetres, keep the surface moist with fine watering, and move containers into a cooler place. Seed may also be started indoors in a cool room, then seedlings gradually hardened before transplanting. Label the date, increase airflow once seedlings appear, and transplant before roots become tightly crowded. Use clean mix and a draining container, keeping the crown above soil level. Continue with gentle watering after emergence.
Can ‘Crispino’ be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a well-drained pot or box at least 20–25 cm deep and allow approximately 25–30 cm per mature rosette. Rich but light mix limits waterlogging and remains easy to irrigate. Place in sun during cool weather, then light partial shade during strong heat. Check moisture daily because shallow roots dry quickly. Pick outer leaves regularly and remove every bolting plant to make room for a new sowing. In containers, give Organic ‘Crispino’ iceberg lettuce a light fertile mix and numerous drainage holes. Water when the surface dries, rotate the pot if light is uneven, and never allow standing water. Adequate soil volume reduces rapid moisture changes and helps roots remain cooler during summer heat.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
A lettuce plant allowed to bolt develops a branched stalk with small yellow flowers that various insects may visit. Pollinators are not needed for a leaf harvest, however, and flowering is normally undesirable. Harvest the rosette once the centre elongates, or allow only one healthy plant to bloom where volunteer seedlings will not create a problem.
