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.

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
BaltimoreFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 26 – Oct 10
ColumbiaMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 5 – Sep 19
GermantownMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 3 – Sep 17
Silver SpringMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 6 – Sep 20
FrederickMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 11 – Sep 25
WaldorfMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 13 – Sep 27
Glen BurnieMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 5 – Sep 19
GaithersburgMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
RockvilleMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
Ellicott CityMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 5 – Sep 19
DundalkFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 26 – Oct 10
BethesdaMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 5 – Sep 19
BowieMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 27 – Sep 10
TowsonMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 12 – Sep 26
Aspen HillMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
WheatonMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
Bel Air SouthMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 4 – Sep 18
Gwynn OakMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 12 – Sep 26
PotomacMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
SevernMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 5 – Sep 19
North BethesdaMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
CatonsvilleFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 26 – Oct 10
AnnapolisFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 18 – Oct 2
HagerstownMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 2 – Sep 16
EssexFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 26 – Oct 10
HanoverMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 5 – Sep 19
WoodlawnMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 12 – Sep 26
Severna ParkFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 18 – Oct 2
OdentonMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 5 – Sep 19
Saint CharlesMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 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

When to plant lettuce in other states

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