Blog

When to plant Lettuce in Cullman County, AL

Lettuce planted in Cullman County between March 14 and April 4 matures in 30–60 days — well before the November 2 first frost. A second sowing from August 24 to September 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Cullman County, AL

Lettuce

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.

Cullman County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 347 feet, Cullman County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lettuce, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Cullman County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Cullman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce

Lettuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lettuce Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cullman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Cullman County, AL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Harvest May 2 May 2 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 – Sep 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

219 days in Cullman County

Growing Tips for Cullman 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

  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 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 35°F, under 45% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in Cullman County, AL?

Cullman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cullman County, AL?

Cullman County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

When should I plant Lettuce in Cullman County, AL?

In Cullman County, AL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cullman County, AL for Lettuce?

Cullman County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Cullman County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Cullman County's temperate climate. Cullman County averages a 219-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 2.

🌱

Your Cullman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cullman County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.