Planting Guides
When to Plant Lettuce in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a
Minneapolis, Minnesota
USDA Zone 4a
Last Frost: May 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant lettuce in Minneapolis from mid-April through July for continuous harvests. Zone 4a's short season requires strategic timing and variety selection.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
Quick Answer
Plant lettuce in Minneapolis from mid-April through July, starting with cold-hardy varieties like Red Oak Leaf and Buttercrunch. Fall crops planted by August 1st mature before September's first frost.
TL;DR
Plant lettuce in Minneapolis starting mid-April for spring crops, with fall planting from July 15-August 1. Zone 4a's short growing season demands quick-maturing varieties like Red Oak Leaf and Buttercrunch over slower Iceberg. Indoor seed starting extends the season for heading varieties, while succession planting every 2 weeks ensures continuous harvest through the brief Minnesota growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the latest I can plant lettuce in Minneapolis?
August 15 is the absolute latest planting date for lettuce in Minneapolis. This allows 45-day varieties like Lactuca sativa 'Red Oak Leaf' to mature by September 29, our average first frost date. For varieties requiring 55-65 days, plant by August 1 to ensure harvest before killing frost. Always count backwards from September 29 using the variety's days to maturity plus a 5-day safety buffer for weather delays.
Can I grow lettuce through Minneapolis winters?
Minneapolis winters are too harsh for outdoor lettuce production without significant season extension infrastructure. Temperatures regularly drop below -10°F (-23°C), which kills even cold-hardy lettuce varieties. However, you can grow lettuce indoors under grow lights or in heated greenhouse structures. Some dedicated gardeners use deep cold frames with heavy insulation, but this requires daily management and isn't practical for most home gardeners.
Why does my lettuce bolt so quickly in Minneapolis?
Rapid bolting in Minneapolis usually results from temperature stress rather than day length. Our erratic spring weather - warm days followed by cold nights - triggers stress responses that cause premature flowering. Choose bolt-resistant varieties like Lactuca sativa 'Buttercrunch' and maintain consistent soil moisture. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to moderate soil temperature swings, and use 30% shade cloth when temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C) for more than three consecutive days.
What's the best way to start lettuce seeds indoors in Minneapolis?
Start lettuce seeds 8-10 weeks before our May 14 last frost date, typically March 1-20 for transplanting in early May. Use a quality seed starting mix, maintain 65-70°F (18-21°C) soil temperature, and provide 14-16 hours of light daily. Harden off transplants gradually over 7-10 days before planting outside, as Minneapolis spring weather can shift dramatically. Begin with 2-3 hours of outdoor exposure during warm afternoons, gradually increasing until plants can handle overnight temperatures above 35°F (2°C).
How do I deal with Minneapolis clay soil for lettuce growing?
Minneapolis clay soil requires significant amendment for successful lettuce production. Work 2-3 inches of compost into the top 8 inches of soil each spring and add coarse sand to improve drainage. Create raised beds 4-6 inches high to improve drainage and allow soil to warm faster in spring. Never work clay soil when wet - wait until a handful of soil crumbles rather than forming a mud ball when squeezed. This "squeeze test" typically occurs in mid-to-late April in Minneapolis.
Which lettuce varieties handle Minneapolis heat best?
For summer growing in Minneapolis, choose heat-tolerant varieties like Lactuca sativa 'Jericho' (Romaine type), Lactuca sativa 'Nevada' (Iceberg type), and Lactuca sativa 'Summertime' (Butterhead). Even these varieties benefit from 30% shade cloth during July and August when temperatures consistently exceed 80°F (27°C). Lactuca sativa 'Red Oak Leaf' also shows good heat tolerance compared to traditional heading varieties, and its loose structure doesn't trap heat like dense heads do.
How often should I succession plant lettuce in Minneapolis?
Plant lettuce every 10-14 days from April 15 through June 1 for continuous spring harvest, then resume succession planting every 7-10 days from July 15 through August 15 for fall crops. The key is adjusting intervals based on temperature - growth accelerates in warming spring soil but slows in cooling fall temperatures. Stop all plantings by August 15 to allow 45-day varieties to mature before Minneapolis's September 29 first frost date.
NEW PLANT DAILY
Think you know your plants?
Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!
Build your streak
One chance per day
Learn as you play
Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds
Tagged with
Written By
A
Amanda Foster
Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.
