2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Lettuce in North Carolina
Complete guide to growing lettuce in North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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
April 5
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
October 25
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing lettuce in North Carolina.
January - March
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
April - 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 North Carolina
These varieties have proven performance in North Carolina's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romaine | North Carolina climate |
| 2 | Buttercrunch | North Carolina climate |
| 3 | Green Star | North Carolina climate |
| 4 | Red Sails | North Carolina climate |
Growing Tips for North Carolina
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced North Carolina farmers.
Fall and winter crop in mild NC climate
Low tunnels enable winter harvest
Spring crop: seed February-March
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 5
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
October 25
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant lettuce in North Carolina?
The optimal planting window for lettuce in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The best varieties for North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The harvest window for lettuce in North Carolina is typically November 15 to March 31. 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, North Carolina 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.