When to Plant Lettuce in Assumption Parish, LA
May in the garden — Assumption Parish, Louisiana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Assumption Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Collect lettuce at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Assumption Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 126 feet, Assumption Parish receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
Assumption Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Assumption Parish
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.3) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Assumption Parish 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 moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help 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 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Plant 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Assumption Parish). 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 — Assumption Parish, LA
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | March 20 | Mar 20 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
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
295 days in Assumption Parish
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Assumption Parish
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after February 13 in Assumption Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Assumption Parish 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 Assumption Parish reach 104°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 296.0-day season in Assumption Parish 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 Assumption Parish
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 Assumption Parish, LA?
Assumption Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Assumption Parish, LA?
Assumption Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Assumption Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Assumption Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.