Quick Facts
🌡️ Season
Cool-Season
☀️ Sun Needs
Shade
💧 Water
Moderate
📐 Spacing
8 inches apart
🕳️ Planting Depth
1/8 inch deep
📅 Days to Harvest
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
6–7
🌡️ Min Soil Temp
40°F
🏠 Start Indoors
4 weeks before last frost
🌱 Direct Sow
Yes
🔥 Heat Tolerance
None
❄️ Cold Tolerance
Moderate
When to Plant Lettuce by Zone
Planting dates vary by USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone at the Smart Planner.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Cold) | Mar, Apr | Apr, May, Aug | May | May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct |
| Zones 5–6 (Cool) | Feb, Mar | Mar, Apr, Aug, Sep | Mar, Apr | Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Zones 7–8 (Moderate) | Jan, Feb | Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct | Feb, Mar | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Zones 9–10 (Warm) | Sep, Oct | Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb | Oct, Nov | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Zones 11–13 (Tropical) | Sep, Oct | Oct, Nov, Dec | Oct, Nov | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
⚠️ Bolt risk: Lettuce tends to bolt (go to seed prematurely) in hot weather. In warm zones (8+), plant during cooler months.
Recommended Varieties
Black Seeded Simpson
Loose leaf, quick to harvest
Jericho
Romaine bred for heat tolerance🔥 Heat Tolerant
🌿 Companion Planting
Plant With
🥕 carrot🔴 radish🌱 strawberry🌱 chive
Keep Away From
✗ celery
🗺️ Growing Zones
12345678910111213
Highlighted zones are suitable for growing lettuce.
🛒 Shop Lettuce Seeds
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