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When to plant lettuce in South Dakota

South Dakota spans USDA zones 4a–5b, so the right time to plant lettuce shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 5 in Sioux Falls to April 21 in Spearfish — below are local dates for 13 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.

In Sioux Fallsthe lettuce transplant out window (April 5–April 26) has passed for this year.
CityZoneLast frostFirst frostTransplant out
Sioux Falls5aApril 26October 13April 5 – April 26
Rapid City5bMay 3October 8April 12 – May 3
Aberdeen4aMay 8September 29April 17 – May 8
Brookings4bMay 6October 1April 15 – May 6
Watertown4bMay 7September 30April 16 – May 7
Mitchell5aMay 2October 6April 11 – May 2
Yankton5aApril 27October 11April 6 – April 27
Huron4bMay 6October 2April 15 – May 6

Lettuce in South Dakota: FAQ

When can I plant lettuce in South Dakota?

Across South Dakota, the time to transplant lettuce spans roughly April 5 in Sioux Falls to April 21 in Spearfish, each following that city's local frost dates.

Does the lettuce planting date vary across South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota publishes 13 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 South Dakota?

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.

Planting reminders

Never miss a window in your area

An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to your frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.

Lettuce planting guide →All South Dakota cities →South Dakota planting calendar →
When to Plant Lettuce in South Dakota — Frost-Based Dates by City — BlissGarden