FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

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
ChicagoMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 10 – Sep 24
AuroraMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 28 – Sep 11
RockfordMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 22 – Sep 5
JolietMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 30 – Sep 13
NapervilleMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 21 – Sep 4
PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 28 – Sep 11
SpringfieldMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 27 – Sep 10
North PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 28 – Sep 11
ElginMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaukeganApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 24 – Sep 7
ChampaignMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 29 – Sep 12
CiceroMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 5 – Sep 19
BloomingtonMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 25 – Sep 8
Arlington HeightsMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 31 – Sep 14
EvanstonMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 26 – Sep 9
SchaumburgApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 18 – Sep 1
BolingbrookMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 27 – Sep 10
DecaturMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 29 – Sep 12
PalatineMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 24 – Sep 7
SkokieMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 26 – Sep 9
Des PlainesMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 2 – Sep 16
Orland ParkMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 27 – Sep 10
Tinley ParkMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 25 – Sep 8
Oak LawnMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 6 – Sep 20
BerwynMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 5 – Sep 19
Mount ProspectMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 31 – Sep 14
NormalMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 21 – Sep 4
WheatonMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 21 – Sep 4
Oak ParkMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 5 – Sep 19
Hoffman EstatesApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 18 – Sep 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

When is the last frost in Illinois?

The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois

When to plant lettuce in other states

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