Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Alabama

Fast-growing and forgiving. Plant in spring and fall for a nearly year-round supply of fresh salad greens.

The Short Answer

Lettuce are cold-tolerant and do well in Alabama's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Mar 25 - Apr 10 in Northern Alabama. Alabama gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Red clay soils in north, sandy loam in south. Amend with compost for drainage in clay areas.

Alabama Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Alabama you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Alabama 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Central Alabama 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
Southern Alabama 8a, 8b Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Alabama

Northern Alabama (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Alabama (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southern Alabama (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Lettuce in Alabama

Lettuce in Alabama's Climate

Lettuce is strictly a cool-season crop in your warm climate. Sow from September through February for harvest during the mild fall, winter, and early spring. Once daytime temperatures regularly hit 80°F, lettuce bolts within days. The good news: your mild winters can produce lettuce continuously for 4-5 months without any season extension needed.

Soil Considerations for Alabama

Red clay soils in north, sandy loam in south. Amend with compost for drainage in clay areas.

Alabama Climate & Growing Season

Long growing season. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters allow for fall and winter gardening in southern regions.

Growing season length varies across Alabama: Northern Alabama (7a, 7b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Southern Alabama (8a, 8b) sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. This difference matters for lettuce — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Shade cloth extends the season into warmer months.

Companion Planting

Plant lettuce alongside these companions for better growth:

Carrots Radishes Strawberries Chives

The Bottom Line

Lettuce can be grown successfully across Alabama, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Alabama gardeners should plan around a Mar 25 - Apr 10 last frost, while those in Southern Alabama can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Lettuce Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Alabama Planting Calendar All plants for Alabama Lettuce in Alaska Alaska planting dates Lettuce in Arizona Arizona planting dates Lettuce in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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