Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in New Jersey

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 New Jersey's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 20 - May 5 in Northern New Jersey. New Jersey gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural...

New Jersey Frost Dates

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

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

Lettuce Planting Schedule for New Jersey

Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · 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

Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · 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

Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 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 New Jersey

Lettuce in New Jersey'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 New Jersey

Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason.

New Jersey Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops.

Growing season length varies across New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 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 New Jersey, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Jersey gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern New Jersey 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 New Jersey Planting Calendar All plants for New Jersey 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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