When to Plant Lettuce in Marion County, OR
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.
Marion County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 422 feet, Marion County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Marion County, OR
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Marion County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Marion County, OR?
Marion County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, OR?
Marion County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marion County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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