FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Tennessee

In a typical Tennessee location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in New South Memphis and as late as Mar 24 in Bristol. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 4 – Sep 18.

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
NashvilleMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 5 – Sep 19
New South MemphisFeb 16 – Mar 2Sep 21 – Oct 5
MemphisFeb 16 – Mar 2Sep 21 – Oct 5
KnoxvilleMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 2 – Sep 16
ChattanoogaFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 14 – Sep 28
ClarksvilleMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 6 – Sep 20
MurfreesboroMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 1 – Sep 15
East ChattanoogaFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 14 – Sep 28
FranklinMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 5 – Sep 19
CordovaMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 10 – Sep 24
JacksonMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 3 – Sep 17
Johnson CityMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 29 – Sep 12
BartlettMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 10 – Sep 24
HendersonvilleMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 3 – Sep 17
KingsportMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 3 – Sep 17
ColliervilleMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 8 – Sep 22
SmyrnaMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 26 – Sep 9
ClevelandMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 4 – Sep 18
BrentwoodMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 31 – Sep 14
GermantownMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 10 – Sep 24
HermitageMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23
ColumbiaMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 1 – Sep 15
Spring HillMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 6 – Sep 20
La VergneMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 26 – Sep 9
GallatinMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 28 – Sep 11
CookevilleMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 30 – Sep 13
Mount JulietMar 4 – Mar 18Sep 9 – Sep 23
LebanonMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 2 – Sep 16
MorristownMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 2 – Sep 16
Oak RidgeMar 8 – Mar 22Sep 6 – Sep 20

Showing the 30 most populous of 70 Tennessee cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Tennessee cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Tennessee?

In a typical Tennessee location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in New South Memphis and as late as Mar 24 in Bristol. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 4 – Sep 18.

When is the last frost in Tennessee?

The average last spring frost in Tennessee ranges from March 16 in New South Memphis to April 21 in Bristol, 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 Tennessee

When to plant lettuce in other states

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