When to Plant Lettuce in Virginia
Published: April 21, 2026
Virginia gardeners in Zone 6b have a 33-week growing season for lettuce (March 22 to November 10). Virginia's spring and fall windows both work well for lettuce — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Virginia based on your local frost calendar.
Lettuce Planting Dates for Virginia
| Start seeds indoors | February 22–March 1 |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Transplant outdoors | February 22–March 4 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 8–18 |
| Expect first harvest | March 24 – April 23 |
| Fall crop start | September 29–October 9 |
| Fall harvest | October 29 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
Dates above assume Zone 6b, the most common zone in Virginia. Gardeners in cooler Richmond (Zone 6b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Virginia Beach (Zone 7a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
Growing Lettuce in Virginia's Climate
Virginia's moderate Zone 6b climate is well-suited to lettuce with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your lettuce harvest significantly in Virginia. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common lettuce pests to watch for in Virginia include Aphids and Slugs. The first line of defense is companion planting: Carrot and Radish planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Lettuce Garden Calendar for Virginia
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| March | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| April | — | Dormant season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining lettuce; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Lettuce Growing Tips for Virginia Gardeners
- •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.
- •Virginia's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Provide afternoon shade in warmer climates (Zones 7+) to extend the spring window before heat bolts plants.
Companion Planting for Lettuce in Virginia
In Virginia's moderate climate, planting lettuce with Carrot and Radish helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Fennel and Celery, which inhibit lettuce growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full lettuce companion planting guide for the complete list.
Lettuce Planting Dates by City in Virginia
Top cities in Virginia — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant lettuce in Virginia?
In Virginia (Zone 6b), start lettuce seeds indoors around February 22–March 1 and transplant outdoors around February 22–March 4 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 22.
What is the last frost date in Virginia?
Virginia's average last frost date is March 22 in the state's most common Zone 6b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow lettuce year-round in Virginia?
lettuce is a cool-season crop in Virginia, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What lettuce varieties grow best in Virginia?
For Virginia's Zone 6b, Buttercrunch, Romaine, and Black-Seeded Simpson perform well across most conditions.
When do I start lettuce seeds indoors in Virginia?
Start lettuce seeds indoors in Virginia around February 22–March 1, which is 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 22. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.