GrowZone

ZIP 98101 planting calendar

When to plant lettuce in Seattle, WA - Zone 9a

In ZIP 98101, plant lettuce around Mar 6; this uses the Seattle frost station, USDA zone 9a, and lettuce timing rules.

Your Seattle calendar has a 245-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Seattle frost station, USDA zone 9a, and lettuce timing rules.

Source: seattle-tacoma frost station, USDA zone 9a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

Reviewed by GrowZone Editorial. Calculated from the seattle-tacoma frost station and USDA zone 9a, last updated 2026-06-28.

In the Seattle area, lettuce timing follows the Seattle frost window, so the local ZIP date can differ from a broad zone-only calendar.

USDA zone 9a Seattle frost station Washington State University Extension Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Put your planting dates on your calendar

Add to Google Calendar Add to Apple Calendar

Answer first

When to start lettuce seeds indoors in Seattle

In ZIP 98101, start lettuce seeds indoors around Feb 20, about 28 days before the Mar 20 last-frost estimate.

Start lettuce seeds indoors in Seattle around Feb 20, about 28 days before the Mar 20 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Lettuce dates for Seattle, WA

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsFebruary 20, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 6, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct SowMarch 6, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Seattle?

Seattle (ZIP 98101) has an average last spring frost around Mar 20.

First frost

When is the first frost in Seattle?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 20, giving about 245 frost-free days.

Season map

Lettuce windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Feb 20
Direct sow
Mar 6
Transplant
Mar 6
Harvest
Apr 30
Frost watch
Sep 26

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start lettuce indoorsFeb 20
Direct sow lettuceMar 6
Transplant lettuceMar 6
Last frost windowMar 20
First lettuce harvest windowApr 30
Last lettuce sowing targetSep 26
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateMarch 20, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateNovember 20, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length245 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing8-12 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature40 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

GrowZone may earn from qualifying seed or supply links when real affiliate IDs are configured. No monetized links are active without disclosure.

Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Seattle frost history and USDA zone 9a shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

Washington State University Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Lettuce timing notes

Succession sow every 10-14 days while weather is cool. Lettuce prefers sun to part shade, 8-12 in spacing, and soil near 40 F+.

For fall, count backward from Nov 20. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 26.