Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Wyoming

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 Wyoming's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 10 - May 30 in Eastern Wyoming. Wyoming gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant...

Wyoming Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Eastern Wyoming 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 30 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Western Wyoming 3a, 3b, 4a May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Wyoming 4b, 5a, 5b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Wyoming

Eastern Wyoming (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 30 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 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

Western Wyoming (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a)

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 Wyoming (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 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 Wyoming

Lettuce in Wyoming's Climate

Your cool climate is actually excellent for lettuce — the crop thrives in 55-70°F conditions that you have for months. Direct sow as soon as soil thaws in spring and continue harvesting well into summer because your moderate temperatures delay bolting far longer than in southern states. Fall lettuce is equally productive. In the coldest zones, cold frames extend harvest into December.

Soil Considerations for Wyoming

Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy amendment needed.

Wyoming Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Very windy — wind protection essential for gardens. Low humidity. Cool nights even in summer at elevation.

Growing season length varies across Wyoming: Eastern Wyoming (4a, 4b, 5a) has a last frost around May 10 - May 30, while Southern Wyoming (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 15 - Jun 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 Wyoming, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Eastern Wyoming gardeners should plan around a May 10 - May 30 last frost, while those in Southern Wyoming can typically plant later. 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 Wyoming Planting Calendar All plants for Wyoming 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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