Start indoors or direct sow?

Direct sow lettuce for the simplest approach, or start it indoors and transplant young seedlings for an earlier or more evenly spaced crop. Lettuce transplants well when moved while small, unlike crops with easily disturbed roots.

When to start Lettuce seeds

Start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Sow additional small batches every 1 to 2 weeks during cool weather.

How to sow the seeds

Sow seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in a fine, sterile seed-starting mix, using small cells for transplants. For direct sowing, plant in loose, smooth garden soil and cover very lightly.

Germination

Lettuce usually germinates in 2 to 10 days. It germinates best in moist soil around 60 to 70 F, and warm soil above about 80 F can reduce germination.

Seedling care

Give indoor seedlings bright light and keep the mix evenly moist, not wet. Thin direct-sown seedlings to the spacing recommended for the variety, and provide airflow and clean growing conditions to limit damping off.

Transplanting & hardening off

Harden seedlings off for several days, then transplant while they are young, usually around the last frost date or earlier with protection. Set plants at their original soil depth and water them in gently.

Tips

For warm spells, germinate seeds in a cool indoor spot before moving them outside. Choose heat-tolerant varieties for late spring sowings.

General seed-starting guidance for US home gardens; timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.