Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Washington

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

The Short Answer

Western Washington may be one of the best lettuce-growing regions in the entire United States. The mild, maritime climate with cool summers and moderate winters creates conditions where lettuce can be grown nearly year-round — an almost unheard-of luxury. Where other regions struggle with summer bolting and winter kill, western Washington gardeners often harvest lettuce 10-12 months of the year with minimal effort.

Washington Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - 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

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 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

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 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

Central Washington (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

Growing Lettuce in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western Washington: sow from March through September outdoors without heat issues — Puget Sound summers rarely push lettuce to bolt. With cold frame protection, continue harvest November through February. Year-round lettuce production is genuinely achievable in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Eastern Washington: follow a more traditional spring and fall calendar, as summer heat above 85°F causes bolting. Sow March through May and again August through October. Western Washington's acidic soils may need lime amendment for lettuce, which prefers pH 6.0-7.0.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Western Washington: grow anything. Buttercrunch, Romaine, Red Leaf, Crisphead — all varieties produce for months in the cool maritime climate without bolting. This is one of the few places in the US where iceberg-type lettuce is easy to grow at home. Eastern Washington: choose bolt-resistant varieties (Jericho, Concept) for the warmer shoulder seasons. WSU Extension provides region-specific recommendations.

Common Challenges in Washington

In western Washington, slugs are the #1 lettuce pest — and they're relentless in the damp maritime climate. Iron phosphate bait (Sluggo) is the standard organic control. Downy mildew can appear during wet autumn and winter months. In eastern Washington, bolting during summer heat is the main limitation. Aphids are common in both regions but particularly in the sheltered, mild western Washington environment.

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 Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. 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 Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington 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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