When to plant Celery in Marin County, CA
For Marin County, gardeners: plant Celery February 5 through February 26 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Marin County, CA
Celery is a marshland plant that requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures to produce crisp, flavorful stalks. It is a rewarding but demanding garden crop.
Marin County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 302 feet, Marin County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Celery will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Marin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Celery
Celery needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celery Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 7.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Marin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Planting Timeline — Marin County, CA
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Marin County
Growing Tips for Marin County
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Keep soil consistently moist and never let it dry out. Blanch stalks by mounding soil or using collars for milder flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Marin County, CA?
Marin County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marin County, CA?
Marin County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Celery in Marin County, CA?
In Marin County, CA, plant Celery after the last frost (around February 26) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marin County, CA for Celery?
Marin County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Marin County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Marin County's temperate climate. Marin County averages a 274-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 26 and first frost around November 26.
Your Marin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marin County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.