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When to plant Lettuce in Phillips County, CO

For Phillips County, gardeners: plant Lettuce April 20 through May 11 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Phillips County, CO

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.

Phillips County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 5,494 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.

Phillips County, CO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Phillips County, CO

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 – May 11
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 – Aug 17
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

156 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, CO?

Phillips County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Phillips County, CO?

Phillips County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Lettuce in Phillips County, CO?

In Phillips County, CO, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Phillips County, CO for Lettuce?

Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Phillips County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 5b). 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 Phillips County, CO. 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.