When to Plant Lettuce in Wise County, 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.
Wise County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 2,328 feet, Wise County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Wise County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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 — Wise County, VA
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Wise 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 Wise County, VA?
Wise County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wise County, VA?
Wise County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wise County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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