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When to plant Celery in Astatula, FL

Astatula sits in USDA Zone 9b. Plant Celery between January 22 (after last frost on February 12) and February 12. A second sowing from October 16 to October 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Astatula, FL

Celery

Celery is a marshland plant that requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures to produce crisp, flavorful stalks. It is a rewarding but demanding garden crop.

Astatula, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.

At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Celery may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Celery will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celery root diseases.

Astatula, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
302 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
302 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Astatula Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celery

Celery needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celery Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celery Planting Timeline — Astatula, FL

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Direct Sow January 22 Jan 22 – Feb 12
Harvest May 7 May 7 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing October 16 Oct 16 – Oct 30

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

302 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Astatula

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Keep soil consistently moist and never let it dry out. Blanch stalks by mounding soil or using collars for milder flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Celery in Astatula, FL?

In Astatula, FL, plant Celery after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Astatula, FL for Celery?

Astatula sits in USDA Zone 9b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Astatula's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Astatula's temperate climate. Astatula averages a 303-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 11.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lake County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.