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When to Plant Lettuce in Williamson County, TX

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.

Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94Β°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.

Williamson County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Williamson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-7.8

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 β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Williamson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lettuce Planting Timeline β€” Williamson County, TX

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 12
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 – Jun 18
Fall Sowing September 13 Sep 13 – Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July β€”
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

30–60 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

262 days in Williamson County

Growing Tips for Williamson 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 35Β°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in Williamson County, TX?

Williamson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Williamson County, TX?

Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 22.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Williamson County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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