When to Plant Lettuce in New York
In a typical New York location, sow outdoors Mar 13 – Mar 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 26 in Elmhurst and as late as Apr 19 in Corning. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 7 – Sep 21.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Brooklyn | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Queens | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| Manhattan | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| The Bronx | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Staten Island | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
| Buffalo | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Jamaica | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| Rochester | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Yonkers | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Astoria | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Syracuse | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Amherst | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Elmhurst | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Corona | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Albany | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Richmond Hill | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| West Albany | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Greenburgh | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| New Rochelle | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| South Ozone Park | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| Cheektowaga | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Ridgewood | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Mount Vernon | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Forest Hills | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Jackson Heights | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Bayside | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Schenectady | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Utica | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Brentwood | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 267 New York cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New York cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant lettuce in New York?
In a typical New York location, sow outdoors Mar 13 – Mar 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 26 in Elmhurst and as late as Apr 19 in Corning. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 7 – Sep 21.
When is the last frost in New York?
The average last spring frost in New York ranges from March 26 in Elmhurst to May 17 in Corning, 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 New York
- 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