FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Pennsylvania

In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Philadelphia and as late as Apr 17 in Hermitage. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 30 – Sep 13.

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
PhiladelphiaMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 22 – Oct 6
PittsburghMar 27 – Apr 10Sep 1 – Sep 15
AllentownMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 29 – Sep 12
ErieMar 29 – Apr 12Sep 9 – Sep 23
ReadingMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 3 – Sep 17
ScrantonMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 25 – Sep 8
BethlehemMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 29 – Sep 12
BensalemMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 30 – Sep 13
LancasterMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 29 – Sep 12
AbingtonMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 6 – Sep 20
LevittownMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 30 – Sep 13
HavertownMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 22 – Oct 6
HarrisburgMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 28 – Sep 11
AltoonaMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 26 – Sep 9
YorkMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 24 – Sep 7
State CollegeMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
Wilkes-BarreMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 25 – Sep 8
NorristownMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 5 – Sep 19
ChesterMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 21 – Oct 5
Mount LebanonMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 2 – Sep 16
Bethel ParkMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 2 – Sep 16
WayneMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 5 – Sep 19
RadnorMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 5 – Sep 19
WilliamsportMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 29 – Sep 12
MonroevilleMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 30 – Sep 13
Cranberry TownshipMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 13 – Sep 27
Drexel HillMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 15 – Sep 29
PlumMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 6 – Sep 20
Back MountainMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 25 – Sep 8
EastonMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 30 – Sep 13

Showing the 30 most populous of 121 Pennsylvania cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Pennsylvania cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Pennsylvania?

In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Philadelphia and as late as Apr 17 in Hermitage. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 30 – Sep 13.

When is the last frost in Pennsylvania?

The average last spring frost in Pennsylvania ranges from March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage, 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 Pennsylvania

When to plant lettuce in other states

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