Blog

When to plant Lettuce in Steinhatchee, FL

For Lettuce in Steinhatchee, the safe spring window opens around February 13 and closes around March 6. Last expected frost is March 6, first fall frost November 23, giving a 262-day growing season. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Steinhatchee, FL

Lettuce
Taylor County, Florida Zone 9a July

July in the garden — Taylor County, Florida

Each item below is timed to Taylor County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 92°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Steinhatchee, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 344 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Steinhatchee, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Steinhatchee Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6.1

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 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Steinhatchee, 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 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

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

262 days in Taylor County

Growing Tips for Steinhatchee

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.

When should I plant Lettuce in Steinhatchee, FL?

In Steinhatchee, FL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Steinhatchee, FL for Lettuce?

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

Can Lettuce grow in Steinhatchee's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Steinhatchee's temperate climate. Steinhatchee averages a 262-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 23.

🌱

Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor 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 Taylor County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.