Lettuce Reine des Glaces Seeds

Lettuce Reine des Glaces Seeds

Lettuce Reine des Glaces Seeds produce crisp, bright green leaves with distinctive deeply cut, frilled edges. This traditional French crisphead lettuce variety, also known as Queen of the Ice, is grown for its crunchy texture and fresh flavour, making it suitable for kitchen gardens, allotments and raised beds.

Reine des Glaces Lettuce develops compact heads surrounded by attractive, finely serrated outer leaves. The leaves have a crisp texture and a mild, refreshing flavour, making them useful for salads, sandwiches, wraps and other fresh dishes. Its unusual leaf shape also adds interest to mixed salad bowls.

This hardy annual lettuce grows best in cool to mild conditions and is particularly suitable for spring and autumn cropping. Reine des Glaces can also be grown during summer with regular watering and some protection from excessive heat, providing fresh leaves for harvesting throughout much of the growing season.

Key Features

Produces crisp, bright green leaves with deeply cut, frilled edges.

Traditional French lettuce also known as Queen of the Ice.

Crisphead variety forming compact, well-filled heads.

Crunchy texture with a mild, refreshing flavour.

Suitable for salads, sandwiches and fresh eating.

Useful for spring and autumn cropping.

Can be grown in raised beds, allotments and vegetable gardens.

Attractive serrated foliage adds texture to mixed salads.

How to Grow Lettuce Reine des Glaces Seeds

Sow Lettuce Reine des Glaces Seeds directly outdoors from March to September, when soil conditions are suitable.

Prepare a fine seedbed in a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

Sow seeds thinly approximately 0.5–1cm deep in shallow drills, allowing around 30cm between rows.

Keep the soil lightly moist during germination. Seedlings generally appear within 7–14 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them gradually to approximately 25–30cm apart, allowing enough room for the heads to develop.

For earlier crops, seeds can be started in modules under protection from February onwards before transplanting outdoors once established.

Grow in a position receiving plenty of light, although some afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress during warm summer weather.

Water regularly during dry periods to maintain crisp, tender leaves and reduce the risk of premature bolting.

Make small sowings every 2–3 weeks to provide a succession of fresh lettuces throughout the growing season.

Harvest the heads once they are well formed and have reached a suitable size. Cut at the base using a sharp knife, preferably during the cooler part of the day.

Lettuce Growing Tips

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage.

Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage tender leaves.

Provide some afternoon shade during hot summer weather.

Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding.

Protect young plants from slugs and snails.

Avoid excessive nitrogen feeding, which can encourage soft growth.

Make regular sowings for a longer harvesting season.

Harvest mature heads promptly to maintain eating quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lettuce is Reine des Glaces?
Reine des Glaces is a traditional French crisphead lettuce producing compact heads with deeply cut, frilled green leaves.

What does Reine des Glaces mean?
The name translates from French as Queen of the Ice, reflecting the variety's traditional association with crisp, cool-season lettuce growing.

What do Reine des Glaces Lettuce leaves taste like?
The leaves have a mild, refreshing flavour with a crisp, crunchy texture.

When should Lettuce Reine des Glaces Seeds be sown?
Sow outdoors from March to September, with earlier sowings possible under protection from February.

Can Reine des Glaces Lettuce be grown in summer?
Yes, although it grows best in cooler conditions. Regular watering and some afternoon shade can help during hot weather.

Can Reine des Glaces be grown in raised beds?
Yes, this variety grows well in raised beds provided the soil is fertile, moisture-retentive and well drained.

How far apart should Reine des Glaces Lettuce be planted?
Allow approximately 25–30cm between plants to provide room for the heads to develop.

When can Reine des Glaces Lettuce be harvested?
Harvest when the heads are well formed and the leaves are crisp and tender, generally around 8–12 weeks after sowing depending on conditions.

Perfect For

Kitchen gardens

Allotments

Raised beds

Spring and autumn cropping

Fresh salads

Sandwiches and wraps

Mixed salad bowls

Homegrown vegetables