When to Plant Celtuce in Washington County, VA
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.
Washington County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 816 feet, Washington County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celtuce root diseases.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
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 — Washington County, VA
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 |
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 6b
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, VA?
Washington County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, VA?
Washington County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 6b 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.