2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Lettuce in Kansas
Complete guide to growing lettuce in Kansas 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 Kansas. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
40°F (4°C) minimum
Growing Period
45-70 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
April 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
October 15
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing lettuce in Kansas.
January - February
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
March - April
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
May - June
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
July - December
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
Best Lettuce Varieties for Kansas
These varieties have proven performance in Kansas's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buttercrunch | Kansas climate |
| 2 | Black Seeded Simpson | Kansas climate |
| 3 | Romaine | Kansas climate |
| 4 | Salad Bowl | Kansas climate |
Growing Tips for Kansas
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Kansas farmers.
Plant early — Kansas heat arrives fast
Fall crop: seed in September
Shade cloth extends spring harvest by 2-3 weeks
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
April 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
October 15
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant lettuce in Kansas?
The optimal planting window for lettuce in Kansas is March 25 to April 25. Soil temperature should reach at least 40°F (4°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 45-70 days.
What varieties of lettuce grow best in Kansas?
The best varieties for Kansas include Buttercrunch, Black Seeded Simpson, Romaine, Salad Bowl. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest lettuce in Kansas?
The harvest window for lettuce in Kansas is typically May 10 to June 30. The crop takes 45-70 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Kansas 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.