When to Plant Celtuce in Ashland County, WI
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.
Ashland County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 705 feet, Ashland County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celtuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Ashland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
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.
Soil Compatibility in Ashland County
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Celtuce's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ashland County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Celtuce will thrive.
How to Plant Celtuce
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celtuce
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celtuce
Celtuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celtuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ashland County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Ashland County, WI
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Ashland County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Ashland County
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after May 20 in Ashland 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celtuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celtuce in Ashland County, WI?
Ashland County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ashland County, WI?
Ashland County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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