Kim, I don't think it will be too late especially if you select heat resistant varieties. I've had good luck with several Summer Crisp (French Crisp or Batavia) lettuce here in 7a. You could also grow them in a bit of shade when it gets really hot to prolong the season.

Your main problem might be getting seed to germinate at higher temperatures. Consider starting in a cooler environment and transplanting out if you are in that weather pattern of 80F days already.

I start lettuce through the middle of March with no problems. The variety you plant is critical. Jericho, Nevada, Forellenschluss, and Orielles de Diables have done very well in my garden.

DarJones - in Hamilton, Alabama

Thanks, folks - appreciate the advice. We are not actually into the 80s yet, so it looks like I may still have time. I have a ridiculous number of seeds, so I have nothing to lose by trying.

Kim, the problem wouldn't be having 80's now, but in 3-4 weeks after sowing. Which of course often happens in late March/early April. Lettuce actually germinates faster/better at warm soil temps, maybe it's spinach that a previous poster was thinking of. Definitely sow that seed now, and maybe start earlier next year. As mentioned earlier, some varieties will tolerate a late planting better because they resist bolting with the high temps you'll have in April. I'll start lettuce indoors in Jan and transplant these by mid-Feb and then sow seed of heat tolerant lettuce outdoors about mid-Feb also.

If, as you say, you have an abundance of seed, plant it at 2" spacing and harvest the leaves as they reach cutting size, rather than trying to grow fully mature plants. They should be ready to start harvesting in two weeks. At that age they should be tender and mild tasting, and still too young to bolt. Save some seed for the other end of the season as well, when growing conditions are actually better for lettuce. You use more seed for that level of density, but the harvest can be extended, and the quality can be excellent.