What month is ideal for planting lettuce?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Timely lettuce planting is the difference between a crisp harvest and bitter heartbreak! This cool-season crop grows well when the soil temperature is between 40°F and 65°F (4 °C and 18°C). The best time to start is early spring, after the chances of frost have passed. A late-summer planting yields an autumn harvest. No heat is needed in midsummer to grow normal lettuce varieties.
Soil Temperature
- Measure 4 inches deep with a soil thermometer
- Ideal range: 40-65°F (4-18°C) for germination
- Below 40°F (4°C): Seeds stay dormant
- Above 70°F (21°C): Poor germination rates
Frost Protection
- Use row covers when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C)
- Cold frames extend spring planting by 3 weeks
- Choose frost-tolerant varieties like Winter Density
- Water soil before frost events for insulation
Select heat-tolerant varieties, such as Jericho Romaine, which is specifically developed for summer planting and can tolerate temperatures as high as 85°F (29°C). Additionally, providing 40% shade cloth for extra cover during the hottest summer months would be a good idea. For Southern gardeners (to help with airflow around the roots), use elevated containers.
Lengthen your season with easy protective covers. When nighttime temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), use low tunnels. When daytime high temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C), employ shade cloth. These practices will add 4-6 weeks to your growing season. Matching varieties to conditions is the key to success.
Read the full article: When to Plant Lettuce: Ultimate Growing Guide
