FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in District of Columbia

In a typical District of Columbia location, sow outdoors Mar 1 – Mar 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 24 in Washington and as late as Mar 12 in Chevy Chase. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 13 – Sep 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
WashingtonFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 23 – Oct 7
Downtown DCMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Columbia HeightsMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Mount PleasantMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 5 – Sep 19
Central 14th Street / Spring RoadMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Northwest OneMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Foggy BottomMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 5 – Sep 19
Mount Vernon TriangleMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
H Street NEMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Pleasant PlainsMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
NoMaMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
PetworthMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Capitol RiverfrontFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 23 – Oct 7
Park ViewMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Golden TriangleFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 23 – Oct 7
ShawMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
BrightwoodMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Adams MorganMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Kennedy StreetMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Southwest WaterfrontFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 23 – Oct 7
Barracks RowMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Union MarketMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
AnacostiaFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 23 – Oct 7
Colorado TriangleMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 5 – Sep 19
Brentwood VillageMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
The WharfFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 23 – Oct 7
Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus BarnMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
Van NessMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 5 – Sep 19
Benning RoadMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27
HillcrestMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 13 – Sep 27

Showing the 30 most populous of 35 District of Columbia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all District of Columbia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in District of Columbia?

In a typical District of Columbia location, sow outdoors Mar 1 – Mar 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 24 in Washington and as late as Mar 12 in Chevy Chase. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 13 – Sep 27.

When is the last frost in District of Columbia?

The average last spring frost in District of Columbia ranges from March 24 in Washington to April 9 in Chevy Chase, 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 District of Columbia

When to plant lettuce in other states

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