When to plant Lettuce in Sumatra, FL
For Lettuce in Sumatra, the safe spring window opens around February 11 and closes around March 4. Last expected frost is March 4, first fall frost November 26, giving a 267-day growing season. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Sumatra, FL
July to-do list for Liberty County, Florida
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Sumatra, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 152 feet, Liberty County receives approximately 54.8 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.
Sumatra Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Lettuce Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Sumatra
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Liberty County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lettuce will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lettuce.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Lettuce Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Liberty County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Sumatra, FL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Liberty County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Sumatra
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after March 04 in Liberty County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Liberty County dries quickly — mulch Lettuce with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Liberty County reach 94°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 267.0-day season in Liberty County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Sumatra
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
When should I plant Lettuce in Sumatra, FL?
In Sumatra, FL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumatra, FL for Lettuce?
Sumatra sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Sumatra's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Sumatra's temperate climate. Sumatra averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.
Your Liberty County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Liberty 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.