When to Plant Head Lettuce in Austin, Texas (78708)

Location

Austin, Texas

ZIP Code

78708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, January 23, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Sow Head Lettuce directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Lactuca sativa

Days to Maturity 70 days

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

Seeds typically germinate in 1-7 days

Ready to Plant Head Lettuce in Austin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 23, 2026.

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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Common Head Lettuce Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Buttercrunch

butterhead 65d

Award-winning butterhead with tender, creamy inner leaves and exceptional flavor.

Iceberg

crisphead 75d

Classic crunchy head lettuce with pale, mild leaves; very heat-sensitive, best in cool weather.

Romaine (Paris Island Cos)

romaine 70d

Upright romaine with crisp ribs and dark green outer leaves; the Caesar salad standard.

Little Gem

mini-romaine 60d

Miniature romaine-butterhead cross; perfect for small gardens with dense, sweet heads.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let heads bolt — cut an X in the head to encourage the seed stalk to push through.

Processing

Harvest seed heads as they brown, dry 1 week, thresh gently to release seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Lettuce is self-pollinating but can occasionally cross — bag individual plants for perfectly pure seed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Head Lettuce in Austin, Texas? +

In Austin (Zone 9a), direct sow Head Lettuce outdoors around Friday, January 23, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Austin, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Austin, Texas (ZIP 78708) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Head Lettuce take to grow? +

Head Lettuce typically matures in about 70 days from direct sowing. In Austin, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, January 23, 2026 plus 70 days.

Should I start Head Lettuce indoors or direct sow in Texas? +

Head Lettuce does best when direct sown outdoors. In Austin, sow directly around Friday, January 23, 2026.

📚 More Head Lettuce Planting Guides

🗺️

Head Lettuce in Texas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

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Zone 9a Head Lettuce Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

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Growing Head Lettuce in Zone 9a

Head Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Austin, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Head Lettuce grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.