Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Utah

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 Utah's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 20 - May 10 in Wasatch Front (SLC). Utah gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Saline soils in some areas. Heavy amendment with compost...

Utah Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Wasatch Front (SLC) 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20
Mountain Regions 4a, 4b, 5a May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Utah 6b, 7a, 7b Apr 10 - May 1 Oct 10 - Nov 1

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Utah

Wasatch Front (SLC) (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - 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

Mountain Regions (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 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

Southern Utah (Zones 6b, 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - 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

Growing Lettuce in Utah

Lettuce in Utah'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 Utah

Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Saline soils in some areas. Heavy amendment with compost and sulfur needed.

Utah Climate & Growing Season

Arid climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings. Irrigation essential everywhere.

Growing season length varies across Utah: Wasatch Front (SLC) (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 10, while Southern Utah (6b, 7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - May 1. 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 Utah, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Wasatch Front (SLC) gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Utah 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 Utah Planting Calendar All plants for Utah 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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