Romaine Lettuce Planting Guide
Crisp, upright heads with sturdy ribs and slightly bitter outer leaves — the classic Caesar salad green
Flavor notes: Crunchy ribs with fuller lettuce flavor.
Variety notes: Upright heads for Caesar salads and heat tolerance.
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 Romaine Lettuce in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 10 inches between plants and 18 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 15 | September 15 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 15 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to February 15 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 10 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 75F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; water 2-3 times per week
- Days to harvest: 70
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
- Cucumbers
- Mint
Avoid Planting Near
- Parsley
- Celery
Harvest Signs
- Head is 8-10 inches tall and tight at center
- Outer leaves are dark green and sturdy
- Harvest entire head or pick outer leaves
- Before bolting in heat
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 Romaine Lettuce in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 10 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Lettuce?
Plant Lettuce about 10 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Lettuce?
Lettuce is commonly paired with Carrots, Radishes, Cucumbers, Mint.