Best Lettuce & Salad Greens to Grow in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA Zones 10–13, typically Zone 10. We've broken out 110 lettuce varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
110
for Hawaii
USDA
Zones 10–13
320–365 days season
Beginner
85
easy to grow
Heirloom
67
heritage varieties
Hawaii in USDA Zones 10–13
Hawaii spans Zones 10–13. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Lettuce & Salad Greens in Hawaii
Zone 10's year-round warmth is both a blessing and a challenge for lettuce growers. While you can theoretically grow greens all year, the intense summer heat from May through September makes cool-season crops like lettuce bolt quickly and turn bitter. The key to success in Zone 10 is embracing your unique growing windows—October through April offers ideal conditions for lettuce, while the brief 'winter' period from December through February provides the cool temperatures that bring out the best flavor in your greens.
The varieties that thrive in Zone 10 are those with heat tolerance for the shoulder seasons and quick maturity for succession planting. Look for bolt-resistant cultivars like Black Seeded Simpson and Red Sails that can handle temperature fluctuations, along with fast-growing options like Arugula and Mesclun Mix that you can harvest before heat stress sets in. Your nearly frost-free environment means you can grow tender varieties like Bibb and Buttercrunch through winter months when they'd be impossible in colder zones.
The secret to Zone 10 lettuce success isn't fighting your climate—it's working with your extended cool season. From October through April, you have an incredible 7-month window for premium lettuce production, far longer than most gardeners enjoy. Focus on varieties that capitalize on your mild winters and plan for creative summer alternatives like heat-tolerant Mâche or quick-cut Arugula during the hottest months.
Zone 10 Lettuce & Salad Greens for Hawaii★ Most of HI
110 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Lettuce & Salad Greens for Hawaii
110 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 12 Lettuce & Salad Greens for Hawaii
110 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 13 Lettuce & Salad Greens for Hawaii
110 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 10 Growing Tips for Hawaii
Start your main lettuce season in early October when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 70°F. Direct seed hardy varieties like Romaine Cos and Oak Leaf first, followed by more delicate types like Buttercrunch and Little Gem in late October. For transplants, start seeds indoors in late September and move them out after the October heat breaks. Your average last frost of January 31st is rarely a concern for lettuce, but be ready with row covers during the few nights that dip below 40°F.
Succession planting every 2-3 weeks from October through February ensures continuous harvests through your prime growing season. As March approaches and temperatures start climbing, switch to bolt-resistant varieties like Red Sails and focus on baby greens you can harvest quickly. The real trick in Zone 10 is recognizing when to stop—most lettuce varieties will struggle once consistent 80°F+ days return in late April or May.
Summer growing requires a completely different approach. If you want greens during the hot months, try heat-tolerant options like Mâche in shaded areas, or focus on quick-growing Arugula that you can harvest in just 21 days. Many Zone 10 gardeners take a lettuce break from June through September and use that time to prepare beds with compost for the spectacular fall growing season ahead.