FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in California

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 23 – Nov 6. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.

Lettuce Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseDec 5 – Dec 19Oct 30 – Nov 13
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoDec 17 – Dec 31Oct 19 – Nov 2
SacramentoDec 15 – Dec 29Oct 21 – Nov 4
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldJan 3 – Jan 17Oct 13 – Oct 27
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideDec 12 – Dec 26Oct 30 – Nov 13
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonJan 8 – Jan 22Oct 13 – Oct 27
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontDec 10 – Dec 24Oct 27 – Nov 10
San BernardinoDec 30 – Jan 13Oct 24 – Nov 7
FontanaDec 13 – Dec 27Nov 7 – Nov 21
ModestoJan 3 – Jan 17Oct 10 – Oct 24
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyDec 30 – Jan 13Oct 24 – Nov 7
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleDec 5 – Dec 19Oct 31 – Nov 14
Santa ClaritaDec 11 – Dec 25Nov 6 – Nov 20
Santa RosaJan 28 – Feb 11Oct 6 – Oct 20
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaDec 7 – Dec 21Nov 4 – Nov 18
OntarioDec 7 – Dec 21Nov 4 – Nov 18
Elk GroveJan 5 – Jan 19Oct 7 – Oct 21

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in California?

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 23 – Nov 6. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do lettuce take to grow?

Lettuce typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.

Other Crops in California

When to plant lettuce in other states

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