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.

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
New York CityMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 25 – Oct 9
BrooklynMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 24 – Oct 8
QueensMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 19 – Oct 3
ManhattanMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 25 – Oct 9
The BronxMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 21 – Oct 5
Staten IslandMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 15 – Sep 29
BuffaloMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 31 – Sep 14
JamaicaMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 19 – Oct 3
RochesterMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 30 – Sep 13
YonkersMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
AstoriaMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 25 – Oct 9
SyracuseApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 24 – Sep 7
AmherstMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 31 – Sep 14
ElmhurstFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 30 – Oct 14
CoronaFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 30 – Oct 14
AlbanyMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 20 – Sep 3
Richmond HillMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 19 – Oct 3
West AlbanyMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 20 – Sep 3
GreenburghMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
New RochelleMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 21 – Oct 5
South Ozone ParkMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 19 – Oct 3
CheektowagaMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 31 – Sep 14
RidgewoodFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 30 – Oct 14
Mount VernonMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 21 – Oct 5
Forest HillsFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 30 – Oct 14
Jackson HeightsFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 30 – Oct 14
BaysideFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 30 – Oct 14
SchenectadyMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 20 – Sep 3
UticaApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 18 – Sep 1
BrentwoodMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 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

When to plant lettuce in other states

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