When to Plant Lettuce in Alachua County, FL
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.
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Alachua County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Alachua County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.1) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Alachua County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lettuce will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lettuce.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 1.9" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 23 |
| Harvest | March 30 | Mar 30 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Alachua County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after February 23 in Alachua County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Alachua County dries quickly — mulch Lettuce with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Alachua County reach 99°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 278.0-day season in Alachua County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Alachua County
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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