When to Plant Lettuce in Virginia Beach City, VA
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.
Virginia Beach City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 176 feet, Virginia Beach City receives approximately 47.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Virginia Beach City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 — Virginia Beach City, VA
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jul 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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
236 days
Growing Tips for Virginia Beach City
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 Virginia Beach City, VA?
Virginia Beach City is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Virginia Beach City, VA?
Virginia Beach City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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