When to Plant Celtuce in Lawrence County, PA
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.
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 441 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Lawrence County
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.8) is more acidic than Celtuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lawrence County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Celtuce.
How to Plant Celtuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celtuce
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Plant Water Budget
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, PA
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 |
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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Lawrence County
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after May 04 in Lawrence County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Celtuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Lawrence County, PA?
Lawrence County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lawrence County, PA?
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lawrence County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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