When To Plant Lettuce In Florida

Figuring out when to plant lettuce in Florida is the key to a successful harvest. The timing is everything in our unique climate, and getting it right means you’ll enjoy crisp, homegrown salads for months.

Florida’s long growing season is a gift, but the heat can be a challenge for cool-weather crops like lettuce. The secret is to work with our two main planting windows. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for your specific region and give you the tips you need to grow great lettuce.

The best times to plant lettuce in Florida are during the cooler months. We have two primary seasons: fall and spring. Planting at the right time avoids the extreme summer heat, which causes lettuce to bolt and turn bitter.

For most of Florida, the fall planting season begins as soon as the weather starts to cool. This is usually from late September through January. The spring planting season is shorter, running from January through early March in North Florida and even earlier in the south.

Florida’s Three Gardening Regions

Florida is divided into three main gardening regions. Your specific location will fine-tune your planting dates.

North Florida: This region has the coldest winters and the most defined seasons. Your main planting window is from September to February. You can often grow lettuce straight through the winter with protection during occasional frosts.
Central Florida: With milder winters, Central Florida has a longer fall season and a very early spring season. Aim for planting from October through January, and again quickly in early March.
South Florida: The warmest region has a reversed schedule. The optimal planting time is during the “cool” season from October through February. Summer planting is not recommended due to intense heat.

Choosing the Right Lettuce Varieties

Picking heat-tolerant or slow-to-bolt varieties is crucial for Florida gardens. These types handle our variable temperatures better.

Loose-Leaf Lettuce: A top choice for beginners. Varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Oakleaf’ are reliable and you can harvest individual leaves.
Romaine (Cos) Lettuce: Look for varieties like ‘Parris Island Cos’ which have good heat resistance and form those lovely crunchy hearts.
Butterhead Lettuce: Varieties such as ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Nancy’ form loose heads and have a sweet, tender flavor that does well in cooler parts of the season.
Crisphead Lettuce: Traditional iceberg types are the most challenging in Florida due to their long maturity time and low heat tolerance. It’s best to avoid them unless you have perfect winter conditions.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to get your lettuce seeds or transplants in the ground successfully.

1. Preparing Your Soil

Lettuce needs fertile, well-draining soil. Florida’s sandy soil needs improvement.

Work in 3 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into your garden bed. This adds nutrients and helps retain moisture.
Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8. A simple soil test can confirm this.
Rake the soil smooth, removing any large clumps or rocks that could obstruct seedling growth.

2. Sowing Seeds vs. Using Transplants

You can start lettuce from seeds sown directly in the garden or from transplants you buy or start yourself.

Direct Seeding: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Later, you’ll thin the seedlings to 6-12 inches apart (depending on the variety). This method is simple and avoids transplant shock.
Using Transplants: Starting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your planting date gives you a head start. It also allows for better spacing from the begining. Gently plant transplants at the same depth they were in their container.

3. Watering and Mulching

Consistent moisture is non-negotiable for tender lettuce leaves.

Water deeply and regularly, aiming for at least 1 inch of water per week. Shallow watering leads to weak roots.
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, like pine straw or shredded leaves, around your plants. Mulch keeps the soil cool, conserves water, and suppresses weeds.

Essential Care Tips for Florida Gardens

A little extra attention goes a long way in ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Managing Sun and Heat

Lettuce prefers full sun in the cool season but appreciates afternoon shade as temperatures rise. Planting on the east side of a taller crop (like tomatoes) can provide natural shade. Using a shade cloth with 30-40% density can extend your season by a few crucial weeks.

Fertilizing for Growth

Lettuce is a moderate feeder. Use a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer at planting time. A follow-up application with a liquid fertilizer, like fish emulsion, every 3-4 weeks can give leaves a boost. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to excessive leafy growth with poor flavor.

Pest and Disease Watch

Common pests in Florida include aphids, slugs, and caterpillars. Inspect your plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids. For slugs, beer traps or iron phosphate bait are effective. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Harvesting Your Lettuce

You can start harvesting leaf lettuce as soon as leaves are large enough to eat, usually in about 30-45 days. For head lettuce, wait until the head feels firm. The best time to harvest is in the cool morning when leaves are crispest.

To extend your harvest, use the “cut-and-come-again” method. With a clean knife or scissors, cut leaves about an inch above the soil line. The plant will often regrow for a second, smaller harvest. Always harvest before you see a central flower stalk forming, as this signals bolting and the leaves will become bitter.

What to Do If You Miss the Window

If the weather turns hot too quickly, your lettuce might bolt. Don’t despair. Pull up the bolted plants and use the space for a warm-season crop like peppers or beans. You can also try growing lettuce in containers that you can move into the shade during heatwaves. Some gardeners have success with summer varieties like ‘Sierra’ or ‘Nevada’, but they still need careful shade management.

FAQ: Planting Lettuce in Florida

Can you grow lettuce in Florida year-round?

It’s very difficult to grow lettuce in Florida during the peak summer months (June-August) due to extreme heat and heavy rainfall. The best success is during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons.

What is the best month to plant lettuce in Central Florida?

In Central Florida, aim to plant lettuce seeds or transplants from October through January. A second, very short planting can be done in early March.

How do you keep lettuce from bolting in Florida?

Choose slow-to-bolt varieties, provide afternoon shade, use mulch to keep soil cool, and water consistently. Harvest leaves promptly to encourage continued growth.

Can I grow lettuce in pots in Florida?

Absolutely. Container gardening is excellent for lettuce in Florida. Use a pot at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes, fill it with quality potting mix, and place it where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Containers offer great control over soil and sun exposure.

Is it to late to plant lettuce in March?

It depends on your region. In North Florida, March may still be fine. In Central and South Florida, March is generally too late for spring planting, as rapidly rising temperatures will likely cause quick bolting. It’s better to wait for the fall season.

By following this Florida-specific timing and care advice, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown lettuce for much of the year. The key is to respect the heat, choose the right varieties, and be ready to plant when the cooler weather arrives. With a little planning, your salad bowl will be full.