FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Missouri

In a typical Missouri location, sow outdoors Mar 11 – Mar 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 26 in Sikeston and as late as Mar 24 in Kirksville. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 1 – Sep 15.

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
Kansas CityMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 7 – Sep 21
St. LouisMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23
SpringfieldMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 1 – Sep 15
ColumbiaMar 8 – Mar 22Sep 5 – Sep 19
IndependenceMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 1 – Sep 15
Lee's SummitMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 31 – Sep 14
O'FallonMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 31 – Sep 14
Saint JosephMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 22 – Sep 5
Saint CharlesMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 3 – Sep 17
Blue SpringsMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 3 – Sep 17
Saint PetersMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 31 – Sep 14
FlorissantMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 9 – Sep 23
JoplinMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 1 – Sep 15
ChesterfieldMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 3 – Sep 17
Jefferson CityMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 5 – Sep 19
Cape GirardeauMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 30 – Sep 13
OakvilleMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 1 – Sep 15
WildwoodMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 28 – Sep 11
WentzvilleMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 31 – Sep 14
University CityMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23
BallwinMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 3 – Sep 17
LibertyMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 22 – Sep 5
RaytownMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 1 – Sep 15
MehlvilleMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 1 – Sep 15
KirkwoodMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23
Maryland HeightsMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 9 – Sep 23
GladstoneMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 7 – Sep 21
HazelwoodMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 9 – Sep 23
GrandviewMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 3 – Sep 17
Webster GrovesMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23

Showing the 30 most populous of 90 Missouri cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Missouri cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Missouri?

In a typical Missouri location, sow outdoors Mar 11 – Mar 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 26 in Sikeston and as late as Mar 24 in Kirksville. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 1 – Sep 15.

When is the last frost in Missouri?

The average last spring frost in Missouri ranges from March 26 in Sikeston to April 21 in Kirksville, 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 Missouri

When to plant lettuce in other states

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