Blog

When to plant Lettuce in Jackson County, FL

Plant Lettuce in Jackson County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 13. Continue planting through March 6 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 24 to October 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Jackson County, FL

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.

Jackson County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.

At an elevation of 223 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lettuce will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Jackson County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
258 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
258 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6

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 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Jackson County, FL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 – Mar 6
Harvest April 10 Apr 10 – Jun 19
Fall Sowing September 24 Sep 24 – Oct 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

258 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, FL?

Jackson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, FL?

Jackson County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.

When should I plant Lettuce in Jackson County, FL?

In Jackson County, FL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, FL for Lettuce?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 258-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 19.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 9a). 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 Jackson County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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