A quick answer from the garden notebook
When to Plant Lettuce
By David Choi · Updated · How we source and review advice
Short answer
Lettuce has two seasons. In spring, sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, from about 4 weeks before to 2 weeks after your last spring frost. For a fall crop, sow about 10 to 13 weeks before your first fall frost. Lettuce grows best in cool weather.
Lettuce planting dates
The timing rule our lettuce guide uses:
- Sow outdoors: from 4 weeks before your last spring frost to 2 weeks after
- Sow outdoors: 10 to 13 weeks before your first fall frost
Your dates
Enter a U.S. ZIP code or a town to see these dates for your garden.
A U.S. ZIP uses official NOAA frost records. Other countries use weather-station records, or a climate reconstruction where stations are missing. Coordinates are used once and not stored. We save only a place label and climate summary in a private browser cookie. You can clear it anytime.
Example dates for the 2027 season
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Seattle, WALast frost Mar 13 |
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| Minneapolis, MNLast frost Apr 23 |
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| Chicago, ILLast frost Apr 10 |
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| Denver, COLast frost Apr 30 |
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| New York, NYLast frost Mar 30 |
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| Atlanta, GALast frost Mar 24 |
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| Dallas, TXLast frost Mar 2 |
|
Frost dates are the usual (median) dates from NOAA climate normals for 1991 to 2020. In about half of years the last frost comes later than the usual date, so check the forecast before planting. Where frost is rare, as in much of Florida and the Arizona desert, frost dates do not set planting times.
Spring: as soon as the soil can be worked
Minnesota Extension says to sow lettuce in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Illinois Extension says seeds can go in once the soil is above 40°F, but they sprout best at 55°F to 65°F. Plant at least a month before summer heat arrives. If a hard freeze is coming, row covers or low tunnels help protect the seedlings.
Heat is the real deadline
Minnesota Extension says lettuce does best with nights near 50°F and days up to 68°F. Several days above 75°F can make the plants bolt, which means they flower and the leaves turn bitter. Long, bright days push them toward bolting too. University of Florida Extension suggests afternoon shade once it is above 85°F.
Fall and winter crops
For fall, Minnesota Extension says to sow about three months before your average first fall frost. Loose-leaf types are less likely to bolt in fall. In warm places, the cool months are the main season. University of Florida Extension calls winter the best time to grow lettuce in Florida.
Sow a little at a time
For a steady supply, Illinois Extension suggests sowing a new batch every 10 to 14 days. You can also start seeds indoors about four weeks before you plan to plant out. Harden the seedlings off for two to three days first, with less water and cooler air.
Sources
- Growing lettuce, endive and radicchio in home gardens (University of Minnesota Extension)
- How to Grow Lettuce (University of Illinois Extension)
- Lettuce (University of Florida IFAS Extension)
The full growing guide
Lettuce
A fast, cool weather leaf crop that you can pick from for weeks. It is at its best in spring and autumn, and turns bitter in a hot, dry spell.
- Harvest
- 50 to 70 days
- Effort
- Season
- Cool
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