When to Plant Celery in Washington 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.
Washington County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, Washington County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Celery Planting Timeline — Washington County, MO
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
197 days
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, MO?
Washington County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, MO?
Washington County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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