When to Plant Lettuce in Nebraska
In a typical Nebraska location, sow outdoors Mar 27 – Apr 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 18 in Elkhorn and as late as Apr 13 in Alliance. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 20 – Sep 3.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Lincoln | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Bellevue | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Grand Island | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Kearney | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Fremont | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Hastings | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Norfolk | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| North Platte | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Columbus | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Papillion | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| La Vista | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Scottsbluff | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| South Sioux City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Beatrice | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Chalco | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Lexington | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Alliance | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Gering | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Elkhorn | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant lettuce in Nebraska?
In a typical Nebraska location, sow outdoors Mar 27 – Apr 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 18 in Elkhorn and as late as Apr 13 in Alliance. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 20 – Sep 3.
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska
- 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