Lettuce, Little Gem illustration 🥬

🥬 Growing Lettuce, Little Gem in Zone 8a

Zone 8a has warm winters and an extended growing season — excellent for heat-loving crops like Lettuce, Little Gem. Last frost: Apr 5. First frost: Oct 28.

Planting Calendar

Indoor
Outdoor
Harvest
Feb 22Oct 28

Season: Apr 5 – Oct 28 (206 days) · Succession: plant every 2 weeks (up to 11x)

Zone8a
Last FrostApr 5
First FrostOct 28
Season Length206 days
Days to Harvest50
SunPart Sun / Part Shade
Frost ToleranceLight
Spacing4/sqft (6" apart)

When to Plant Lettuce, Little Gem in Zone 8a

Start Seeds Indoors: Feb 22

Start Lettuce, Little Gem seeds indoors around Feb 22 (6 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 65°F. Germinates in 4–10 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Mar 15

Transplant Lettuce, Little Gem seedlings outdoors after Mar 15. Wait until soil temperature reaches 40°F. Space plants at 4/sqft (6" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Apr 19

First harvest approximately Apr 19 (~35 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Oct 28).

Fall Planting: Sep 2

For a fall harvest, plant Lettuce, Little Gem around Sep 2 (8 weeks before first frost).

Companion Planting

✅ Strawberries✅ Carrots✅ Beets✅ Cucumbers✅ Radishes

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce, Little Gem in Zone 8a?

Start Lettuce, Little Gem seeds indoors around Feb 22. Transplant outdoors after Mar 15. Expect first harvest around Apr 19.

What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 8a is Apr 5. The first fall frost averages Oct 28, giving a 206-day growing season.

Can I grow Lettuce, Little Gem in Zone 8a?

Yes. Lettuce, Little Gem needs 50 days to harvest. Zone 8a has a 206-day growing season, which is sufficient. You can plant up to 11 successions.

What is the best month to plant Lettuce, Little Gem in Zone 8a?

The best time to start Lettuce, Little Gem in Zone 8a is Feb. Begin seeds indoors around Feb 22, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Apr 5.

What companion plants grow well with Lettuce, Little Gem?

Good companion plants for Lettuce, Little Gem include Strawberries, Carrots, Beets, Cucumbers, Radishes.

How long does Lettuce, Little Gem take to harvest?

Lettuce, Little Gem takes approximately 50 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 8a, expect your first harvest around Apr 19.

Plan Your Lettuce, Little Gem Garden

Track Lettuce, Little Gem from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

Start Free Lettuce, Little Gem Growing Guide