When to Plant Lettuce in Texas
Fast-growing and forgiving. Plant in spring and fall for a nearly year-round supply of fresh salad greens.
The Short Answer
Texas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Texas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Texas (Dallas) | 7b, 8a | Mar 10 - Mar 25 | Nov 5 - Nov 20 |
| Central Texas (Austin/SA) | 8a, 8b | Feb 25 - Mar 15 | Nov 15 - Dec 5 |
| South Texas (Valley) | 9a, 9b, 10a | Jan 15 - Feb 10 | Dec 10 - Jan 5 |
| Texas Panhandle | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| East Texas | 8a, 8b | Mar 1 - Mar 20 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
Lettuce Planting Schedule for Texas
North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)
Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Growing Lettuce in Texas
State-Specific Growing Tips
North Texas: sow from September through February for fall and winter harvest. Central Texas: October through March. South Texas and the Valley: October through February — the mildest winters allow nearly continuous production. In summer, don't even try. Air temperatures above 80°F cause rapid bolting and bitter leaves. Shade cloth can extend the spring season by 2-3 weeks in north Texas but can't beat real Texas summer heat. Texas's alkaline soils in the Hill Country benefit from sulfur amendment for lettuce, which prefers pH 6.0-7.0.
Recommended Varieties for Texas
Heat-tolerant varieties extend the season: Jericho (developed in Israel for hot conditions), Muir, and Nevada are bolt-resistant. For winter growing, standard varieties like Buttercrunch, Romaine, and Red Sails produce beautifully in Texas's mild cool-season. Baby leaf mixes are ideal for cut-and-come-again harvests throughout the cool months.
Common Challenges in Texas
Heat is the #1 enemy — bolting occurs within days once temperatures stay above 80°F. Aphids can be heavy in the mild winter conditions that favor lettuce growth. Slugs and snails appear during rainy periods. In south Texas, leaf miners create visible trails in leaves. Tip burn (brown edges) results from calcium uptake issues during rapid temperature changes.
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:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026