When to Plant Celtuce in Schuylkill 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.
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 253 feet, Schuylkill County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
Schuylkill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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 Schuylkill County
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.8) is more acidic than Celtuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Schuylkill 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
Plant Water Budget
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Schuylkill County, PA
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Schuylkill County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Schuylkill County
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after April 17 in Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County, PA?
Schuylkill County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Schuylkill County, PA?
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Schuylkill County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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