FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Kansas

In a typical Kansas location, sow outdoors Mar 16 – Mar 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Kansas City and as late as Mar 31 in Garden City. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 31 – Sep 14.

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
WichitaMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 3 – Sep 17
Overland ParkMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 3 – Sep 17
Kansas CityMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 7 – Sep 21
OlatheMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 3 – Sep 17
TopekaMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 27 – Sep 10
LawrenceMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 2 – Sep 16
ShawneeMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 7 – Sep 21
ManhattanMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 24 – Sep 7
LenexaMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 3 – Sep 17
SalinaMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 28 – Sep 11
HutchinsonMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 26 – Sep 9
LeavenworthMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 1 – Sep 15
LeawoodMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 3 – Sep 17
Dodge CityMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 25 – Sep 8
Garden CityMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 22 – Sep 5
EmporiaMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 28 – Sep 11
Junction CityMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 31 – Sep 14
DerbyMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 27 – Sep 10
Prairie VillageMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 7 – Sep 21
HaysMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 27 – Sep 10
GardnerMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 29 – Sep 12
LiberalMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 29 – Sep 12
PittsburgMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 4 – Sep 18
NewtonMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 30 – Sep 13
Great BendMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 20 – Sep 3
McPhersonMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 29 – Sep 12
El DoradoMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 30 – Sep 13
AndoverMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 1 – Sep 15
OttawaMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 25 – Sep 8
WinfieldMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 27 – Sep 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 40 Kansas cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kansas cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Kansas?

In a typical Kansas location, sow outdoors Mar 16 – Mar 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Kansas City and as late as Mar 31 in Garden City. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 31 – Sep 14.

When is the last frost in Kansas?

The average last spring frost in Kansas ranges from April 4 in Kansas City to April 28 in Garden City, 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 Kansas

When to plant lettuce in other states

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