When to plant lettuce in Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant lettuce shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about March 5 in Sikeston to March 31 in Kirksville — below are local dates for 87 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 6b | April 4 | November 2 | March 14 – April 4 |
| St. Louis | 7a | April 1 | November 4 | March 11 – April 1 |
| Springfield | 7a | April 4 | October 27 | March 14 – April 4 |
| Columbia | 6b | April 5 | October 31 | March 15 – April 5 |
| Independence | 6b | April 10 | October 27 | March 20 – April 10 |
| Lee's Summit | 6b | April 7 | October 29 | March 17 – April 7 |
| O'Fallon | 6b | April 10 | October 26 | March 20 – April 10 |
| St. Charles | 6b | April 8 | October 29 | March 18 – April 8 |
Lettuce in Missouri: FAQ
When can I plant lettuce in Missouri?
Across Missouri, the time to transplant lettuce spans roughly March 5 in Sikeston to March 31 in Kirksville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the lettuce planting date vary across Missouri?
Yes. Missouri publishes 87 cities with their own frost dates, so the right lettuce planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does lettuce take to grow in Missouri?
Lettuce takes about 45–60 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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