FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in Wisconsin

In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Kenosha and as late as Apr 13 in Merrill. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 18 – Sep 1.

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
MilwaukeeMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
MadisonApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 14 – Aug 28
Green BayApr 9 – Apr 23Aug 14 – Aug 28
KenoshaMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 31 – Sep 14
RacineMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 29 – Sep 12
AppletonApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 11 – Aug 25
WaukeshaApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 18 – Sep 1
Eau ClaireMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 19 – Sep 2
OshkoshMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 25 – Sep 8
JanesvilleMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 20 – Sep 3
West AllisMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
La CrosseMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 18 – Sep 1
North La CrosseMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 22 – Sep 5
SheboyganMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 28 – Sep 11
WauwatosaMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 23 – Sep 6
Fond du LacMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 24 – Sep 7
New BerlinApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 19 – Sep 2
WausauApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 9 – Aug 23
BrookfieldApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 19 – Sep 2
GreenfieldApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 19 – Sep 2
BeloitApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 17 – Aug 31
FranklinApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 19 – Sep 2
Menomonee FallsApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 13 – Aug 27
Oak CreekMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 31 – Sep 14
ManitowocApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 25 – Sep 8
Sun PrairieApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 15 – Aug 29
West BendApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 17 – Aug 31
FitchburgApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 14 – Aug 28
Stevens PointApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 12 – Aug 26
SuperiorApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 14 – Aug 28

Showing the 30 most populous of 96 Wisconsin cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Wisconsin cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant lettuce in Wisconsin?

In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Kenosha and as late as Apr 13 in Merrill. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 18 – Sep 1.

When is the last frost in Wisconsin?

The average last spring frost in Wisconsin ranges from April 19 in Kenosha to May 11 in Merrill, 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 Wisconsin

When to plant lettuce in other states

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