FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, sow outdoors Jan 21 – Feb 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 27 in Metairie and as late as Feb 17 in Minden. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 9 – Oct 23.

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
New OrleansJan 4 – Jan 18Nov 5 – Nov 19
Baton RougeJan 31 – Feb 14Oct 1 – Oct 15
ShreveportJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 29 – Oct 13
MetairieDec 27 – Jan 10Nov 7 – Nov 21
LafayetteJan 16 – Jan 30Oct 9 – Oct 23
Lake CharlesJan 17 – Jan 31Oct 12 – Oct 26
Bossier CityJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 29 – Oct 13
KennerJan 2 – Jan 16Nov 5 – Nov 19
MonroeFeb 8 – Feb 22Sep 20 – Oct 4
AlexandriaJan 30 – Feb 13Oct 2 – Oct 16
HoumaJan 8 – Jan 22Oct 22 – Nov 5
MarreroDec 27 – Jan 10Nov 7 – Nov 21
New IberiaJan 13 – Jan 27Oct 16 – Oct 30
LaplaceJan 12 – Jan 26Oct 19 – Nov 2
CentralJan 28 – Feb 11Oct 1 – Oct 15
SlidellJan 27 – Feb 10Oct 6 – Oct 20
PrairievilleJan 12 – Jan 26Oct 18 – Nov 1
TerrytownJan 4 – Jan 18Nov 5 – Nov 19
RustonFeb 11 – Feb 25Sep 21 – Oct 5
HammondFeb 8 – Feb 22Sep 24 – Oct 8
HarveyJan 4 – Jan 18Nov 5 – Nov 19
SulphurFeb 2 – Feb 16Sep 30 – Oct 14
Bayou CaneJan 8 – Jan 22Oct 22 – Nov 5
ShenandoahJan 31 – Feb 14Oct 1 – Oct 15
NatchitochesJan 31 – Feb 14Oct 6 – Oct 20
GretnaJan 4 – Jan 18Nov 5 – Nov 19
ChalmetteJan 13 – Jan 27Oct 22 – Nov 5
OpelousasJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 28 – Oct 12
ZacharyJan 28 – Feb 11Oct 1 – Oct 15
EstelleJan 13 – Jan 27Oct 17 – Oct 31

Showing the 30 most populous of 66 Louisiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Louisiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, sow outdoors Jan 21 – Feb 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 27 in Metairie and as late as Feb 17 in Minden. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 9 – Oct 23.

When is the last frost in Louisiana?

The average last spring frost in Louisiana ranges from January 24 in Metairie to March 17 in Minden, 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 Louisiana

When to plant lettuce in other states

Related Guides