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When to plant Lettuce in Eustis, FL

For Eustis, gardeners: plant Lettuce January 22 through February 12 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from October 16 to October 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Eustis, FL

Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season green available in leaf, romaine, butterhead, and crisphead types. It is the foundation of salads and one of the easiest crops to grow.

Eustis, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.

At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lettuce will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Eustis, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
302 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
302 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Eustis Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Eustis, FL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Direct Sow January 22 Jan 22 – Feb 12
Harvest March 19 Mar 19 – May 28
Fall Sowing October 16 Oct 16 – Oct 30

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

30–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

302 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Eustis

Sow seeds directly every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to delay bolting. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Lettuce Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let plants bolt and flower. Harvest seed heads when fluffy.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.

When should I plant Lettuce in Eustis, FL?

In Eustis, FL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Eustis, FL for Lettuce?

Eustis sits in USDA Zone 9b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Eustis's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Eustis's temperate climate. Eustis averages a 303-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 11.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lake County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.