Lettuce in season in Australia
Lettuce is in season in Australia from all year, and at its peak from November to February. This is the cooler south; the tropical north has its own calendar.
At its best
NSW's Love Food Hate Waste seasonal guide lists lettuce in every season, which is why it never really leaves the shops. The best supply here comes in summer. In August, Brisbane Markets reported green oak lettuce from Lowood in abundance and outstanding quality.
At the shop
Buy it whole where you can, and look for a fresh-looking head.
Keeping it
Keep lettuce unwashed in the fridge crisper. A whole head keeps for up to two weeks if you wrap the root base in damp paper towel and put it loosely in a breathable plastic bag. For leaves, an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom soaks up moisture. Replace the towel now and then.
Three dinners
- Lettuce cups with spiced pork Cup the leaves for the filling.
- Caesar-style salad with grilled chicken Cos holds up well.
- Peas and lettuce braised in butter A spring supper with mint.
How we decide. Each item carries a score from 0 to 20 for every month of the year. We call 16 or more “at its peak” and 8 to 15 “around”. The scores were checked against Australian growers’ bodies, state government pages and the Sydney and Melbourne markets, and last reviewed on 9 October 2026. Seasons shift a few weeks with the weather and the state, so treat the edges as guides. Spotted something wrong? Tell us at [email protected].
General information only. These guides are not advice about how you should prepare, store or eat any food. Please follow the packaging and the official food-safety guidance from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and your state or territory food authority.