Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Delaware

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 Delaware's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 10 - Apr 25 in Northern Delaware. Delaware gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Sandy soils in south, clay loam in north. Generally well-drained. Slightly acidic.

Delaware Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Delaware 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Delaware 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Delaware

Northern Delaware (Zones 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 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

Southern Delaware (Zones 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · 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

Growing Lettuce in Delaware

Lettuce in Delaware's Climate

Lettuce grows well in spring and fall but bolts when summer temperatures consistently exceed 80°F. Direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost and succession plant every 2 weeks until mid-May. Resume in August for fall harvest. Summer lettuce is possible with heat-tolerant varieties and afternoon shade, but expect shorter-lived plantings.

Soil Considerations for Delaware

Sandy soils in south, clay loam in north. Generally well-drained. Slightly acidic.

Delaware Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing conditions for a wide range of vegetables.

Growing season length varies across Delaware: Northern Delaware (7a) has a last frost around Apr 10 - Apr 25, while Southern Delaware (7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 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 Delaware, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Delaware gardeners should plan around a Apr 10 - Apr 25 last frost, while those in Southern Delaware 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 Delaware Planting Calendar All plants for Delaware Lettuce in Alabama Alabama planting dates 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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