GrowZone

ZIP 68102 planting calendar

When to plant lettuce in Omaha, NE - Zone 6a

In ZIP 68102, plant lettuce around Apr 21; this uses the Omaha frost station, USDA zone 6a, and lettuce timing rules.

Your Omaha calendar has a 158-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Omaha frost station, USDA zone 6a, and lettuce timing rules.

Source: omaha-eppley frost station, USDA zone 6a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 6a Omaha frost station Nebraska Extension Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Answer first

When to start lettuce seeds indoors in Omaha

In ZIP 68102, start lettuce seeds indoors around Apr 7, about 28 days before the May 5 last-frost estimate.

Start lettuce seeds indoors in Omaha around Apr 7, about 28 days before the May 5 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Lettuce dates for Omaha, NE

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsApril 7, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsApril 21, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct SowApril 21, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Omaha?

Omaha (ZIP 68102) has an average last spring frost around May 5.

First frost

When is the first frost in Omaha?

The average first fall frost is around Oct 10, giving about 158 frost-free days.

Season map

Lettuce windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Apr 7
Direct sow
Apr 21
Transplant
Apr 21
Harvest
Jun 15
Frost watch
Aug 16

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start lettuce indoorsApr 7
Direct sow lettuceApr 21
Transplant lettuceApr 21
Last frost windowMay 5
First lettuce harvest windowJun 15
Last lettuce sowing targetAug 16
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateMay 5, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateOctober 10, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length158 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing8-12 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature40 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Omaha frost history and USDA zone 6a shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

Nebraska 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 Oct 10. A conservative last sowing target is around Aug 16.