FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Kentucky

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 2 – Sep 16.

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
LouisvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 14 – Sep 28
LexingtonMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 2 – Sep 16
Lexington-FayetteMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 2 – Sep 16
MeadsMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 28 – Sep 11
Bowling GreenMar 8 – Mar 22Sep 5 – Sep 19
OwensboroMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 7 – Sep 21
CovingtonMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 30 – Sep 13
RichmondMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 27 – Sep 10
GeorgetownMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 2 – Sep 16
FlorenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 30 – Sep 13
HopkinsvilleMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 7 – Sep 21
NicholasvilleMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 6 – Sep 20
ElizabethtownMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 30 – Sep 13
HendersonMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 31 – Sep 14
FrankfortMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 29 – Sep 12
JeffersontownMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 8 – Sep 22
IndependenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 30 – Sep 13
PaducahMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 1 – Sep 15
Valley StationMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 12 – Sep 26
RadcliffMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 30 – Sep 13
AshlandMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 28 – Sep 11
NewburgMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 6 – Sep 20
MadisonvilleMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 6 – Sep 20
MurrayMar 8 – Mar 22Sep 6 – Sep 20
ErlangerMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 30 – Sep 13
WinchesterMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 24 – Sep 7
Fern CreekMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 6 – Sep 20
Saint MatthewsMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 8 – Sep 22
OkolonaMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 6 – Sep 20
DanvilleMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 1 – Sep 15

Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Kentucky?

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 2 – Sep 16.

When is the last frost in Kentucky?

The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky

When to plant lettuce in other states

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