Best Lettuce Varieties for Winter and Cool Weather Growing

Lettuce is one of the best crops for winter and cool-season gardens. As a longtime gardener in USDA Zone 9b, I’ve had great success growing lettuce in raised beds and containers through fall, winter, and early spring. Understanding which lettuce types thrive in cool weather—and how to grow them—can help you enjoy a steady supply of crisp, flavorful greens during the coldest months.

In this guide, I’ll share my top recommended varieties, plus growing insights based on 30+ years of hands-on experience. Whether you’re new to winter gardening or looking to expand your lettuce lineup, this guide will help you grow with confidence.

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Why Grow Lettuce in Winter?

Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that prefers mild temperatures between 45°F and 70°F. Many varieties actually perform better in cool weather than in the heat of summer. Winter-grown lettuce tends to be sweeter, slower to bolt, and less affected by pests. With a little protection—like a cold frame, row cover, or frost cloth—you can keep lettuce growing even in regions that dip below freezing.

Best Types of Lettuce for Winter

There are five main types of lettuce, and some do better in cool weather than others. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Romaine (Cos)

Best for: Upright, crunchy heads
Winter Stars: ‘Winter Density,’ ‘Valmaine,’ ‘Rouge d’Hiver’
Tips: Romaine handles cold well and is less prone to frost damage than looser varieties.

2. Butterhead (Bibb and Boston)

Best for: Soft, tender heads with a buttery texture
Winter Stars: ‘Winter Marvel,’ ‘Buttercrunch,’ ‘Merveille des Quatre Saisons’
Tips: These are some of the most cold-tolerant lettuces. I’ve harvested ‘Winter Marvel’ in December with frost protection.

3. Looseleaf

Best for: Quick harvests and cut-and-come-again growing
Winter Stars: ‘Red Salad Bowl,’ ‘Black Seeded Simpson,’ ‘Lollo Rossa’
Tips: These lettuces grow fast and can be sown successively every few weeks. Great for containers and small spaces.

4. Oakleaf

Best for: Delicate, lobed leaves and tender flavor
Winter Stars: ‘Green Oak Leaf,’ ‘Red Oak Leaf’
Tips: These grow quickly and look beautiful in salads. They tolerate frost well, especially with row cover.

5. Crisphead (Iceberg)

Best for: Dense, crunchy heads (but trickier to grow in winter)
Winter Stars: ‘Reine des Glaces’ (Ice Queen)
Tips: Most crispheads are better in spring, but ‘Ice Queen’ is a cold-tolerant heirloom worth trying.

Growing lettuce in a cold frame in winter

Tips for Winter Lettuce Success

Use cold frame, row covers, or cloches to protect lettuce from hard frosts and freezing winds.
Plant in a sunny location to maximize warmth during short days.
Grow in raised beds or containers near a south-facing wall for extra heat.
Mulch lightly to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
Water early in the day so leaves dry before nightfall—this helps prevent rot in cold conditions.

My Favorite Picks for Flavor and Performance

Based on flavor, reliability, and cold-hardiness, here are my personal winter lettuce winners:

‘Winter Marvel’ (Butterhead): Sweet, compact, and frost-tolerant.
‘Rouge d’Hiver’ (Romaine): Beautiful red-bronze leaves with a nutty flavor.
‘Red Salad Bowl’ (Looseleaf): Fast-growing and great for baby greens.
‘Merveille des Quatre Saisons’ (Butterhead): Grows well in all seasons, including cold.
‘Ice Queen’ (Crisphead): Classic iceberg texture with better cold tolerance.

Final Thoughts

With the right varieties and a bit of care, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful lettuce all winter long. Start by choosing cold-tolerant types and planting in a sheltered, sunny location. Protect your crops with row covers when frost threatens, and harvest often to keep the plants producing.

Winter lettuce growing is not only possible—it’s incredibly rewarding. Cold-grown lettuce is crisp, sweet, and satisfying, and it keeps your garden productive during the off-season.

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