Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in North Carolina

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

The Short Answer

North Carolina's three growing regions create a staggered lettuce calendar that stretches nearly the entire year. Mountain gardeners grow lettuce from spring through fall in the cool Blue Ridge climate. Piedmont gardeners focus on fall, winter, and spring. Coastal plain gardeners enjoy a solid winter harvest. With succession planting across the seasons, a strategic North Carolina gardener can eat homegrown lettuce for 8-10 months of the year.

North Carolina Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountains 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Coastal Plain 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Lettuce Planting Schedule for North Carolina

Mountains (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - 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

Piedmont (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

Coastal Plain (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

Growing Lettuce in North Carolina

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: sow March through September (one of the longest lettuce seasons in the eastern US thanks to cool summer temperatures). Piedmont: sow September through April, with a break during summer heat. Coastal plain: sow October through March. NC State Extension recommends cold frames for extending the Piedmont's winter lettuce season — even unheated, they keep greens growing through January. Shade cloth extends spring production by 2-3 weeks in the Piedmont and coast.

Recommended Varieties for North Carolina

NC State variety trials are particularly valuable for lettuce — the university tests dozens of varieties in multiple regions each year. Their current recommendations include Tropicana (full-size head, heat tolerant), Cherokee (red romaine), and Jericho for bolt resistance. Winter Density is outstanding for cold-frame production in the Piedmont.

Common Challenges in North Carolina

Bolting during Piedmont and coastal summer heat. Downy mildew in humid conditions — especially in the coastal plain. Aphids and slugs are common statewide. In the mountains, late spring frosts can damage transplants, though lettuce is reasonably frost-tolerant. Bottom rot (caused by Rhizoctonia) occurs when lower leaves sit on wet soil — raised beds and mulch prevent this.

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 North Carolina with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 25 - May 15, while Coastal Plain sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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 North Carolina Planting Calendar All plants for North Carolina 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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