1# GREAT LAKES HEAD LETTUCE

Great Lakes Head Lettuce is a well‑known, dependable crisphead (iceberg‑type) lettuce, valued for its large, firm heads, crisp texture, and improved heat tolerance compared to older iceberg lettuces.

🌱 Quick Overview

• Type: Crisphead / Iceberg lettuce

• Head size: Large, firm, tightly wrapped

• Leaf color: Medium to dark green (lighter inside)

• Texture: Very crisp and crunchy

• Flavor: Mild, clean, refreshing

• Use: Salads, wedges, sandwiches

• Days to maturity: ~75–85 days

• Pollination: Open‑pollinated

✅ Why gardeners grow Great Lakes

• Superior heat tolerance for an iceberg lettuce

• Forms tight, solid heads

• Resists tip burn better than older varieties

• Longstanding commercial and home‑garden standard

• Holds well in the garden without splitting

Great Lakes is one of the best choices if you want true iceberg‑style lettuce at home.

🌼 Growing from seed

• Planting time:

  • Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, or

  • Direct sow early spring and again late summer for fall harvest

• Seed depth: ⅛–¼ inch (lightly covered)

• Spacing:

  • Thin or transplant to 10–12 inches apart

  • Rows 18–24 inches apart

• Sun: Full sun to light shade

• Soil: Loose, fertile, well‑drained, high in organic matter

• Water: Consistent moisture is essential for head formation

Tip: Afternoon shade and steady watering improve head quality in warmer weather.

🥬 Harvesting

• Harvest when heads are firm and fully sized

• Cut at the soil line early in the morning for best crispness

• Can tolerate cool fall weather better than many crisphead types

• Avoid letting heads overmature in hot weather

🍽️ Kitchen notes

• Classic iceberg crunch for salads and wedges

• Excellent for burgers and sandwiches

• Mild flavor pairs well with bold dressings

• Refrigerates well after harvest