When to Plant Celery in Clark County, MO
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.
Clark County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Clark County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Celery Planting Timeline — Clark County, MO
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
80–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Clark County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Celery in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Clark County, MO?
Clark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, MO?
Clark County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clark County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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