Quick planting window
| Start indoors | February to March |
|---|---|
| Transplant | February to March |
| Sow seeds | February to March |
| Estimated harvest | April to May |
| Risk | Low risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Lettuce is a reasonable spring choice for California if you adjust for your local microclimate.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
45
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Lettuce growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun in cool weather; afternoon shade in heat.
Soil
Loose, fertile soil that stays evenly moist.
Spacing
6-12 inches depending on head size.
Container
Very container friendly; shallow boxes work for leaf lettuce.
Watering
Keep moist to reduce bitterness and bolting.
Common mistake
Planting too late into summer heat.
Beginner tip
Sow small batches every 1-2 weeks for a longer harvest.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | February to March | April to May | September to October | November to December |
| New York | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Texas | February to March | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Washington | April to May | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| New Jersey | April to May | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Florida | January to February | February to March | October to November | December to January |
| North Carolina | March to April | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Georgia | March to April | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Illinois | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Ohio | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Pennsylvania | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Michigan | April to May | June to July | August to September | September to October |
| Arizona | February to March | March to April | September to October | November to December |
| Oregon | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Massachusetts | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Minnesota | April to May | June to July | August to September | September to October |
| Virginia | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Colorado | April to May | June to July | August to September | September to October |
| Tennessee | March to April | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Missouri | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start lettuce indoors?
Lettuce is commonly started indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost date. The exact month changes by state.
Can I sow lettuce outdoors?
Lettuce can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about February to March.
When should I transplant lettuce?
Lettuce is commonly transplanted about -3 weeks after the last frost date, after seedlings are hardened off.
How long does lettuce take to harvest?
Lettuce is listed at about 45 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is lettuce container friendly?
Yes. Very container friendly; shallow boxes work for leaf lettuce.
What is the most common lettuce mistake?
Planting too late into summer heat.
Is lettuce better in spring or fall?
Both spring and fall can work in many states, but fall timing should count backward from the first frost date.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.