FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in North Carolina

In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Mar 3 – Mar 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Morehead City and as late as Apr 4 in Boone. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 10 – Sep 24.

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
CharlotteMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 8 – Sep 22
RaleighFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 13 – Sep 27
GreensboroMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23
DurhamMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 9 – Sep 23
Winston-SalemFeb 26 – Mar 12Sep 14 – Sep 28
FayettevilleMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 15 – Sep 29
CaryFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 13 – Sep 27
WilmingtonFeb 19 – Mar 5Sep 25 – Oct 9
High PointMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 10 – Sep 24
AshevilleMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 5 – Sep 19
GreenvilleFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 13 – Sep 27
ConcordMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 7 – Sep 21
GastoniaFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 14 – Sep 28
JacksonvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 13 – Sep 27
Chapel HillMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 8 – Sep 22
Rocky MountMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 12 – Sep 26
HuntersvilleMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 8 – Sep 22
BurlingtonMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 14 – Sep 28
WilsonFeb 22 – Mar 8Sep 17 – Oct 1
KannapolisMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 7 – Sep 21
ApexFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 13 – Sep 27
HickoryMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 9 – Sep 23
Wake ForestMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 9 – Sep 23
Indian TrailMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 10 – Sep 24
MooresvilleMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 2 – Sep 16
GoldsboroFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 17 – Oct 1
MonroeMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 6 – Sep 20
SalisburyMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 4 – Sep 18
Holly SpringsMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 8 – Sep 22
MatthewsMar 3 – Mar 17Sep 10 – Sep 24

Showing the 30 most populous of 95 North Carolina cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Carolina cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in North Carolina?

In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Mar 3 – Mar 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Morehead City and as late as Apr 4 in Boone. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 10 – Sep 24.

When is the last frost in North Carolina?

The average last spring frost in North Carolina ranges from March 18 in Morehead City to May 2 in Boone, 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 North Carolina

When to plant lettuce in other states

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