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When to plant Lettuce in Delaware County, IN

Delaware County's climate puts the Lettuce spring window between April 12 and May 3. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Delaware County, IN

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.

Delaware County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 739 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.

Delaware County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Delaware County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Delaware County, IN

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Aug 9
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

173 days in Delaware County

Growing Tips for Delaware 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 Delaware County, IN?

Delaware County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Delaware County, IN?

Delaware County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Lettuce in Delaware County, IN?

In Delaware County, IN, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Delaware County, IN for Lettuce?

Delaware County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Delaware County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Delaware County's temperate climate. Delaware County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Delaware County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Delaware County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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