When to Plant Celtuce in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Celtuce (stem lettuce) is a Chinese vegetable grown for its thick, crunchy stem rather than its leaves. The peeled stem has a mild, cucumber-like flavor.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,212 feet, Ketchikan Gateway Borough receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 65°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celtuce to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celtuce root diseases.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
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
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
177 days
Growing Tips for Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Direct sow in spring or start indoors. Space 12 inches apart. Harvest when stems are about 1 inch in diameter. Peel the tough outer skin to reveal the tender center.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Celtuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celtuce in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ketchikan Gateway Borough gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.