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When to Plant Lettuce in Fayette County, TX

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.

Fayette County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.

At an elevation of 57 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lettuce, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Fayette County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
274 days
Last Spring Frost February 27
274 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.2

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Fayette County, TX

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 30 Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Direct Sow February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 27
Harvest April 3 Apr 3 – Jun 12
Fall Sowing October 3 Oct 3 – Oct 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
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

274 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Fayette 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 Fayette County, TX?

Fayette County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, TX?

Fayette County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is November 28.

🌱

Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette 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 Fayette County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.