When to Plant Lettuce
Published: April 21, 2026
The fastest cool-season crop — some varieties ready in 30 days. Lettuce must be timed to cool seasons as it bolts (goes to seed and turns bitter) in summer heat.
When to plant lettuce
- Start seeds indoors: 4 weeks before last frost
- Direct sow outdoors: 6 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 40°F
- Days to harvest: 30–60 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 8 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 6 weeks before first fall frost
Growing Tips for Lettuce
- •Direct sow very shallowly — lettuce seeds need light to germinate; cover with just 1/8 inch of soil.
- •Cut outer leaves 1 inch above the crown for "cut-and-come-again" harvests lasting weeks.
- •Provide afternoon shade in warmer climates (Zones 7+) to extend the spring window before heat bolts plants.
- •Fall lettuce is often better than spring — plants mature as temperatures cool, producing sweeter, crunchier heads.
Companion Planting for Lettuce
✅ Plant lettuce with
- • Carrot
- • Radish
- • Strawberry
- • Chive
- • Spinach
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Fennel
- • Celery
Common Lettuce Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Lettuce Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant lettuce?
Lettuce is a cool-season crop — sow seeds outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date (soil only needs to be 40°F). In most regions this means March or early April planting. In warm climates (Zones 8+), plant lettuce in fall and winter instead of spring.
Can lettuce survive frost?
Yes — mature lettuce tolerates light frost down to about 28°F. Seedlings are more sensitive. This frost tolerance means you can plant much earlier in spring than warm-season crops. Row covers extend the season further at both ends.
Why is my lettuce bitter and bolting?
Lettuce bolts (sends up a flower stalk) when temperatures exceed 75°F consistently. Once bolted, leaves turn bitter and the plant is done producing. Plant lettuce early in spring or wait for fall to avoid this. Choosing bolt-resistant varieties adds 2–3 extra weeks of harvest window.
Can I grow lettuce in the fall?
Absolutely — fall lettuce is one of the best crops in the garden. Sow seeds 6 weeks before your first fall frost date. As temperatures drop through fall, lettuce flavor improves. In Zones 7–10, lettuce can be grown as a winter crop.
What grows well with lettuce?
Lettuce pairs well with carrots (different root depths, no competition), radishes (quick crop between slower lettuce heads), and chives (deter aphids). The low-growing nature of lettuce makes it a good ground cover under taller plants like tomatoes.