2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Lettuce in Georgia
Complete guide to growing lettuce in Georgia with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the lettuce growing season in Georgia. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
40°F (4°C) minimum
Growing Period
45-65 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 20
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 5
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing lettuce in Georgia.
January - February
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
March - August
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
September - October
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
November - December
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
Best Lettuce Varieties for Georgia
These varieties have proven performance in Georgia's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romaine | Georgia climate |
| 2 | Buttercrunch | Georgia climate |
| 3 | Green Star | Georgia climate |
| 4 | Red Sails | Georgia climate |
Growing Tips for Georgia
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Georgia farmers.
Fall planting for winter harvest
Low tunnels extend season through frost events
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Aphids
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Slugs
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Loopers
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Leaf miners
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Downy mildew
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside lettuce, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
March 20
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 5
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant lettuce in Georgia?
The optimal planting window for lettuce in Georgia is September 15 to October 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 40°F (4°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 45-65 days.
What varieties of lettuce grow best in Georgia?
The best varieties for Georgia include Romaine, Buttercrunch, Green Star, Red Sails. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest lettuce in Georgia?
The harvest window for lettuce in Georgia is typically November 15 to February 28. The crop takes 45-65 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.