Why Iceberg Lettuce Bolts Instead of Heading in Florida Heat

Two-foot tall lettuce with no head means bolting—premature flowering triggered by heat. Iceberg needs cool temps (60–65°F) to form tight heads.

What Happened

• Plants sent up a central stalk (bolting).
• Leaves become bitter and inedible.
• No head will form at this stage.

Florida Solutions

• Plant heat-tolerant varieties: 'Muir', 'Nevada', 'Cherokee'.
• Grow in winter (Oct–Feb) or use shade cloth.
• Choose loose-leaf or romaine types for warmer weather.
• Succession plant every 2 weeks.

Local nurseries carry regionally adapted varieties; big-box stores often don't.