When to plant Lettuce in St. Johns County, FL
St. Johns County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Plant Lettuce between January 19 (after last frost on February 9) and February 9. A second sowing from October 7 to October 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in St. Johns County, FL
St. Johns County, Florida gardeners: here's your June plan
Here's what deserves your attention in St. Johns County, Florida this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
St. Johns County 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 St. Johns County
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 St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lettuce will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). 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 Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 07.
Lettuce Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns 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 — St. Johns County, FL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | March 16 | Mar 16 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | October 7 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in St. Johns County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns 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 St. Johns County reach 99°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 297.0-day season in St. Johns 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 St. Johns County
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.
When should I plant Lettuce in St. Johns County, FL?
In St. Johns County, FL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Johns County, FL for Lettuce?
St. Johns 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 St. Johns County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in St. Johns County's temperate climate. St. Johns County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns 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.