When to Plant Celery in Dawson, YT
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.
Dawson, Yukon is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 1,213 feet, Dawson receives approximately 12.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly permafrost soil soil. Summer highs average 63°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celery successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Dawson Soil Profile
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celery
Celery needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celery Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 5.6" | 1.7" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 1.3" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 1.2" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 1" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 0.9" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Oct in Dawson). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celery Planting Timeline — Dawson, YT
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
| Direct Sow | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Harvest | September 18 | Sep 18 – Nov 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 2a
📆 Growing Season
100 days in Dawson
Growing Tips for Celery in Dawson
Your 100.0-day growing season in Dawson is tight for Celery (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Dawson receives only 12" of rain annually. Celery needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Dawson, YT?
Dawson is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of June 26. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson, YT?
Dawson, Yukon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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