Lettuce Planting Guide
Crisp, tender salad greens ideal for cool weather
Flavor notes: Crisp, mild, and watery-sweet.
Variety notes: Head lettuce with the most crunch; slower than loose leaf types.
Best Time and Place to Plant Lettuce
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Lettuce in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 8 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 8 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 75F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, water daily in warm weather
- Days to harvest: 45
Fertilization
- Blood Meal organic: 1 lb per 100 sq ft before planting
- Nitrogen-rich 21-0-0 synthetic: Light side-dressing every 3 weeks
- Compost Tea organic: Weekly foliar spray
Companion Plants
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Strawberries
- Cucumbers
Avoid Planting Near
- Parsley
- Celery
Harvest Signs
- Leaves are full-sized for variety
- Before center stalk begins to elongate (bolting)
- Best harvested in morning when crisp
- Outer leaves can be picked continuously
Major Varieties
- Red Leaf Lettuce: Loose leaf type for cut-and-come-again harvest.
- Butterhead Lettuce: Loose tender heads; harvest before heat stress.
- Romaine Lettuce: Upright heads for Caesar salads and heat tolerance.
FAQs
When should I plant Lettuce?
Lettuce planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Lettuce?
The best time of year to plant Lettuce is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Lettuce?
Plant Lettuce in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 8 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Lettuce?
Plant Lettuce about 8 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Lettuce?
Lettuce is commonly paired with Carrots, Radishes, Strawberries, Cucumbers.