When to Plant Lettuce in Montana
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors Apr 16 – Apr 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Laurel and as late as May 16 in Butte. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 3 – Aug 17.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Billings | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Missoula | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Great Falls | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Bozeman | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Butte | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Helena | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Kalispell | May 3 – May 17 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Havre | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Anaconda | May 4 – May 18 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Miles City | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Helena Valley Southeast | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Belgrade | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Helena Valley West Central | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Evergreen | May 3 – May 17 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Livingston | Apr 29 – May 13 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Whitefish | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Laurel | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Sidney | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Lockwood | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Lewistown | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Montana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Montana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant lettuce in Montana?
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors Apr 16 – Apr 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Laurel and as late as May 16 in Butte. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 3 – Aug 17.
When is the last frost in Montana?
The average last spring frost in Montana ranges from May 5 in Laurel to June 13 in Butte, 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 Montana
- 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