Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Illinois

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 Illinois's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 25 - May 10 in Northern Illinois (Chicago). Illinois gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rich prairie soils — some of the most fertile in the country. Heavy clay in many areas. Well-suited...

Illinois Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Illinois (Chicago) 5a, 5b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Illinois 5b, 6a Apr 15 - May 1 Oct 5 - Oct 20
Southern Illinois 6b, 7a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Illinois

Northern Illinois (Chicago) (Zones 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 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

Central Illinois (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20

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 Illinois (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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 Illinois

Lettuce in Illinois'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 Illinois

Rich prairie soils — some of the most fertile in the country. Heavy clay in many areas. Well-suited for most vegetables.

Illinois Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Cold winters. Good growing season length in central and southern regions.

Growing season length varies across Illinois: Northern Illinois (Chicago) (5a, 5b) has a last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Illinois (6b, 7a) 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 Illinois, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Illinois (Chicago) gardeners should plan around a Apr 25 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Illinois 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 Illinois Planting Calendar All plants for Illinois 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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