Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Virginia

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

The Short Answer

Virginia's climate hits a productive balance for lettuce — cool enough for strong spring and fall production, mild enough in winter for extended harvest with minimal protection. The Piedmont and Northern Virginia, where most of the state's population lives, offer roughly 7-8 months of potential lettuce growing when spring, fall, and protected winter seasons are combined.

Virginia Frost Dates

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

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

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - 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/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 20 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 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

Growing Lettuce in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: sow from April through September — the Shenandoah Valley's cool climate is excellent for lettuce. Piedmont/Northern Virginia: sow from March through May for spring, August through October for fall. Cold frames in the Piedmont can extend harvest through December. Tidewater: sow September through April for a long cool-season production window. Virginia Tech Extension emphasizes succession planting as the single most effective technique for home lettuce production — sow a small amount every 2 weeks rather than one large planting.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Standard varieties perform well across Virginia. Buttercrunch is a reliable all-season choice. Jericho handles the transition into warm weather. For winter cold frame production, Winter Density and North Pole are cold-hardy and productive. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides annually updated variety recommendations.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Heat-induced bolting in June through August, except in the mountains. Aphids are the primary pest — inspect undersides of leaves regularly. Slugs and snails during wet periods. Bottom rot in waterlogged Piedmont clay — ensure drainage in beds used for lettuce.

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 Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. 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 Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia 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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