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When to Plant Lettuce in Dillingham Census Area, AK

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.

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.

At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Dillingham Census Area, AK (Zone 3a) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6

Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 29

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lettuce needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Lettuce Planting Timeline โ€” Dillingham Census Area, AK

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 15
Fall Sowing June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Jun 28
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 โ€“ Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

30โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 3a

Growing Season

128 days

Growing Tips for Dillingham Census Area

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

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ 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 35ยฐF, under 45% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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