FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 22 – Sep 5.

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
Des MoinesMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 25 – Sep 8
Cedar RapidsMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 17 – Aug 31
DavenportMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 27 – Sep 10
Sioux CityApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 12 – Aug 26
Iowa CityMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaterlooMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 15 – Aug 29
AmesMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 13 – Aug 27
West Des MoinesMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 25 – Sep 8
Council BluffsMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 26 – Sep 9
DubuqueMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 26 – Sep 9
AnkenyMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 20 – Sep 3
UrbandaleMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 25 – Sep 8
Cedar FallsMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 15 – Aug 29
MarionMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 17 – Aug 31
BettendorfMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 27 – Sep 10
MarshalltownMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 12 – Aug 26
Mason CityApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 12 – Aug 26
ClintonMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 31 – Sep 14
BurlingtonMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 25 – Sep 8
Fort DodgeMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 13 – Aug 27
OttumwaMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 19 – Sep 2
MuscatineMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 29 – Sep 12
JohnstonMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 23 – Sep 6
CoralvilleMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaukeeMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 23 – Sep 6
AltoonaMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 20 – Sep 3
North LibertyMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 23 – Sep 6
IndianolaMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 17 – Aug 31
CliveMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 25 – Sep 8
NewtonMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 22 – Sep 5

Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 22 – Sep 5.

When is the last frost in Iowa?

The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa

When to plant lettuce in other states

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