Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Florida

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

The Short Answer

Florida lettuce growing is strictly a cool-season affair — and a spectacular one. From October through March, Florida's mild winters create growing conditions that lettuce actually prefers over the supposedly 'ideal' springs and falls of northern states. While northern gardeners fight late frosts and unpredictable springs, Florida gardeners enjoy steady 60-75°F temperatures and abundant sunshine that produce fast, sweet, tender lettuce.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

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

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 Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 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

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

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 Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: sow from October through February. Central Florida: September through March. South Florida: October through February. Don't even attempt summer lettuce in Florida — 90°F+ heat and intense humidity make it impossible. Florida's sandy soils drain too fast for lettuce's shallow roots — mulch heavily and irrigate frequently. Short, frequent watering sessions work better than deep, infrequent soaking in sand. Raised beds with compost-amended soil retain moisture more effectively than native sandy ground.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Heat-tolerant varieties extend the shoulder seasons: Jericho, Muir, and Nevada bolt later than standard varieties. For peak cool season, Buttercrunch, Black Seeded Simpson, and Parris Island Cos are excellent. UF/IFAS Extension recommends several varieties specifically tested in Florida conditions. Mesclun mixes produce continuous harvests when cut at the baby leaf stage.

Common Challenges in Florida

Bolting occurs rapidly once temperatures exceed 80°F — this limits the season on both ends. Aphids can be severe in Florida's warm winters. Downy mildew and lettuce drop appear during periods of cool, humid weather. Slugs and snails are abundant in Florida's moist conditions. Nematodes in sandy soils can stunt lettuce roots — rotate planting locations annually.

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 in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida 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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