When to Plant Celtuce in St. Francis County, AR
May in St. Francis County, Arkansas — your action list
Your St. Francis County, Arkansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Collect celtuce at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: celtuce
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.
St. Francis County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.
At an elevation of 1,429 feet, St. Francis County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
St. Francis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 St. Francis County
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Celtuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Francis County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in St. Francis 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 — St. Francis County, AR
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
234 days in St. Francis County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in St. Francis County
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after March 20 in St. Francis 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 St. Francis County, AR?
St. Francis County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Francis County, AR?
St. Francis County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your St. Francis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Francis County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.