FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Port Huron and as late as Apr 21 in Cadillac. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 24 – Sep 7.

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
DetroitMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 5 – Sep 19
Grand RapidsApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 15 – Aug 29
WarrenMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 5 – Sep 19
Sterling HeightsApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 29 – Sep 12
Ann ArborApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 15 – Aug 29
LansingApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 18 – Sep 1
Clinton TownshipApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 29 – Sep 12
FlintApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 15 – Aug 29
DearbornMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 30 – Sep 13
LivoniaApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 20 – Sep 3
CantonMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 29 – Sep 12
TroyMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
WestlandMar 23 – Apr 6Sep 1 – Sep 15
Farmington HillsApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 22 – Sep 5
KalamazooMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaterfordApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 25 – Sep 8
WyomingApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 15 – Aug 29
ShelbyMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
Rochester HillsMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
SouthfieldApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 22 – Sep 5
West Bloomfield TownshipApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 25 – Sep 8
TaylorMar 23 – Apr 6Sep 1 – Sep 15
PontiacMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
Saint Clair ShoresApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 27 – Sep 10
Royal OakMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 5 – Sep 19
NoviApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 22 – Sep 5
Dearborn HeightsApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 20 – Sep 3
Battle CreekApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 24 – Sep 7
KentwoodApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 15 – Aug 29
RedfordApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 20 – Sep 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Port Huron and as late as Apr 21 in Cadillac. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 24 – Sep 7.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant lettuce in other states

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