FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Colorado

In a typical Colorado location, sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 17 in Grand Junction and as late as May 24 in Edwards. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 13 – Aug 27.

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
DenverApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 17 – Aug 31
Colorado SpringsApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 13 – Aug 27
AuroraApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 13 – Aug 27
Fort CollinsApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 12 – Aug 26
LakewoodApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 12 – Aug 26
ThorntonApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
WestminsterApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
ArvadaApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 10 – Aug 24
CentennialApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 13 – Aug 27
PuebloApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 14 – Aug 28
GreeleyApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 13 – Aug 27
BoulderApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 10 – Aug 24
Highlands RanchApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 13 – Aug 27
LongmontApr 9 – Apr 23Aug 10 – Aug 24
LovelandApr 12 – Apr 26Aug 6 – Aug 20
BroomfieldApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
Grand JunctionMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 28 – Sep 11
Castle RockApr 11 – Apr 25Aug 7 – Aug 21
Commerce CityApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 13 – Aug 27
ParkerApr 11 – Apr 25Aug 8 – Aug 22
LittletonApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
NorthglennApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
BrightonApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 12 – Aug 26
Dakota RidgeApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
EnglewoodApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
Security-WidefieldApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 13 – Aug 27
WindsorApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 11 – Aug 25
Ken CarylApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 16 – Aug 30
Wheat RidgeApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 10 – Aug 24
Pueblo WestMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 18 – Sep 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 65 Colorado cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Colorado cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Colorado?

In a typical Colorado location, sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 17 in Grand Junction and as late as May 24 in Edwards. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 13 – Aug 27.

When is the last frost in Colorado?

The average last spring frost in Colorado ranges from April 14 in Grand Junction to June 21 in Edwards, 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 Colorado

When to plant lettuce in other states

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