Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Maryland

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 Maryland's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 1 - May 15 in Western Maryland. Maryland gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils...

Maryland Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Maryland 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore 7a, 7b, 8a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Maryland

Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 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 Maryland (Zones 6b, 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

Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)

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 Maryland

Lettuce in Maryland'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 Maryland

Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys.

Maryland Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state.

Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) 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 Maryland, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Maryland gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Eastern Shore 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 Maryland Planting Calendar All plants for Maryland 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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