When to Plant Lettuce in Maryland
In a typical Maryland location, sow outdoors Mar 6 – Mar 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 22 in California and as late as Mar 27 in Westminster. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 11 – Sep 25.
Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.
Lettuce Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Columbia | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Germantown | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Silver Spring | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
| Frederick | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Waldorf | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Glen Burnie | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Gaithersburg | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Rockville | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Ellicott City | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Dundalk | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Bethesda | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Bowie | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Towson | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Aspen Hill | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Wheaton | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Bel Air South | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Gwynn Oak | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Potomac | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Severn | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| North Bethesda | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Catonsville | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Annapolis | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
| Hagerstown | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Essex | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Hanover | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Woodlawn | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Severna Park | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
| Odenton | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Saint Charles | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 151 Maryland cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maryland cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant lettuce in Maryland?
In a typical Maryland location, sow outdoors Mar 6 – Mar 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 22 in California and as late as Mar 27 in Westminster. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 11 – Sep 25.
When is the last frost in Maryland?
The average last spring frost in Maryland ranges from March 22 in California to April 24 in Westminster, 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 Maryland
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant lettuce in other states