FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Florida

In a typical Florida location, sow outdoors Dec 28 – Jan 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 18 in Sarasota and as late as Feb 21 in Crestview. For a fall crop, plant around Nov 15 – Nov 29. 103 cities in Florida 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
JacksonvilleJan 4 – Jan 18Nov 10 – Nov 24
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaDec 23 – Jan 6Nov 17 – Dec 1
OrlandoDec 20 – Jan 3Nov 18 – Dec 2
St. PetersburgDec 20 – Jan 3Nov 20 – Dec 4
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeFeb 11 – Feb 25Sep 26 – Oct 10
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralDec 19 – Jan 2Nov 18 – Dec 2
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleFeb 3 – Feb 17Oct 7 – Oct 21
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayDec 19 – Jan 2Nov 18 – Dec 2
ClearwaterDec 20 – Jan 3Nov 19 – Dec 3
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandDec 29 – Jan 12Nov 14 – Nov 28
BrandonJan 2 – Jan 16Nov 11 – Nov 25
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillJan 8 – Jan 22Nov 6 – Nov 20
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaDec 29 – Jan 12Nov 17 – Dec 1
Lehigh AcresDec 20 – Jan 3Nov 21 – Dec 5
MelbourneDec 23 – Jan 6Nov 17 – Dec 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, sow outdoors Dec 28 – Jan 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 18 in Sarasota and as late as Feb 21 in Crestview. For a fall crop, plant around Nov 15 – Nov 29. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, 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 Florida

When to plant lettuce in other states

Related Guides