When to plant lettuce 🥬
Lettuce takes 30–55 days to mature, spaced 8" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 13 – April 27 | April 27 – June 22 | May 4 – June 1 | June 29 – August 3 |
| Zone 4 | April 3 – April 17 | April 17 – June 12 | April 24 – May 22 | June 19 – July 24 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 – April 3 | April 3 – May 29 | April 10 – May 8 | June 5 – July 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 4 – March 18 | March 18 – May 13 | March 25 – April 22 | May 20 – June 24 |
| Zone 7 | February 19 – March 4 | March 4 – April 29 | March 11 – April 8 | May 6 – June 10 |
| Zone 8 | February 2 – February 16 | February 16 – April 12 | February 23 – March 22 | April 19 – May 24 |
| Zone 9 | January 4 – January 18 | January 18 – March 14 | January 25 – February 22 | March 21 – April 25 |
| Zone 10 | December 19 – January 2 | January 2 – February 27 | January 9 – February 6 | March 5 – April 9 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized lettuce planting dates
Care tips
- Provide afternoon shade once temps exceed 75°F.
- Cut outer leaves to extend the harvest.
- Succession sow every 2 weeks for steady greens.
Good companions
Carrots, Radish, Strawberries.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start lettuce seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start lettuce seeds indoors between March 20 and April 3 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start lettuce seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start lettuce seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start lettuce seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start lettuce seeds indoors between February 19 and March 4 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start lettuce seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start lettuce seeds indoors between February 2 and February 16 — that's 4–6 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant lettuce seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant lettuce seedlings about -3–1 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 25–April 22.
How long does lettuce take to grow?▾
Lettuce typically takes 30–55 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 5–10 weeks after the last spring frost.