5a When to plant lettuce in zone 5a
Zone 5a median last spring freeze: May 7 · first fall freeze: Sep 30 · harvest in ~45-60 days.
| Step | Zone 5a dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | 6–10 weeks before transplanting |
| Transplant outside | May 28 | after last spring freeze |
| Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 | before last spring freeze |
| Fall planting | Aug 12 | before first fall freeze |
How lettuce grow in zone 5a
Direct sow or transplant both work. Half-hardy — tolerates light frost. Harvest runs roughly 45-60 days after planting. These windows come from extension planting tables anchored to zone 5a's median freeze dates — for varieties and local conditions, check with your local extension office.
Next: the full zone 5a calendar · other crops in zone 5a: tomatoes · peppers · cucumbers · zucchini & summer squash · winter squash & pumpkins · snap beans · sweet corn · peas · spinach · 5 more