When to Plant Celtuce in Knox County, ME
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.
Knox County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Knox County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celtuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Knox County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
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 — Knox County, ME
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
163 days
Growing Tips for Knox County
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 Knox County, ME?
Knox County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Knox County, ME?
Knox County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Knox County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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