Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Tennessee

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 Tennessee's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 5 - Apr 25 in East Tennessee. Tennessee gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain...

Tennessee Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
East Tennessee 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Tennessee

East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - 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

Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · 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

West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · 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 Tennessee

Lettuce in Tennessee's Climate

Lettuce is strictly a cool-season crop in your warm climate. Sow from September through February for harvest during the mild fall, winter, and early spring. Once daytime temperatures regularly hit 80°F, lettuce bolts within days. The good news: your mild winters can produce lettuce continuously for 4-5 months without any season extension needed.

Soil Considerations for Tennessee

Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east.

Tennessee Climate & Growing Season

Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops.

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