Blog

When to plant Lettuce in Pasco County, FL

Spring Lettuce in Pasco County goes in January 4–January 25, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from October 21 to November 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Pasco 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.

Pasco County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 321 feet, Pasco County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lettuce will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Pasco County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 25
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 16

Pasco County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.1

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 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering

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

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Pasco County, FL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Harvest March 1 Mar 1 – May 10
Fall Sowing October 21 Oct 21 – Nov 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 9b

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Pasco County

Growing Tips for Pasco 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 Pasco County, FL?

Pasco County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pasco County, FL?

Pasco County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 16.

When should I plant Lettuce in Pasco County, FL?

In Pasco County, FL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pasco County, FL for Lettuce?

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

Can Lettuce grow in Pasco County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Pasco County's temperate climate. Pasco County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 16.

🌱

Your Pasco County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pasco County (Zone 9b). 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 Pasco 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.