When to plant lettuce in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Apr 22 · Sow Apr 29 · First harvest Jun 8 · Wrap by Jul 20

Last spring frostMay 20

Start seeds indoorsApr 22

Direct sowApr 29

First harvestJun 8

Last harvestJul 20

Fall succession sowJul 12

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 frost-free days. Lettuce tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 4 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 12 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does lettuce take to grow in zone 4a?

Lettuce matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 29 and first picking around Jun 8.

Will lettuce survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — lettuce tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

Can I plant a second crop of lettuce in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 12 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full lettuce growing guide →