When to Plant Lettuce in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 29 in Tea and as late as Apr 14 in Ellsworth Air Force Base. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 8 – Aug 22.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Rapid City | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Aberdeen | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Brookings | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Watertown | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Mitchell | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Yankton | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Pierre | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Huron | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Spearfish | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Vermillion | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Brandon | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Box Elder | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Rapid Valley | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Madison | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sturgis | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Belle Fourche | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Harrisburg | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Tea | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant lettuce in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 29 in Tea and as late as Apr 14 in Ellsworth Air Force Base. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 8 – Aug 22.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota
- 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