When to plant Celery in Monterey County, CA
Celery planted in Monterey County between February 20 and March 13 matures in 80–120 days — well before the November 17 first frost. A second sowing from September 22 to October 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Monterey 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.
Monterey County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 249 days.
At an elevation of 260 feet, Monterey County receives approximately 12.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celery successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Monterey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monterey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Planting Timeline — Monterey County, CA
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | September 22 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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
249 days in Monterey County
Growing Tips for Monterey 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 Monterey County, CA?
Monterey County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monterey County, CA?
Monterey County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 17.
When should I plant Celery in Monterey County, CA?
In Monterey County, CA, plant Celery after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monterey County, CA for Celery?
Monterey 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 Monterey County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Monterey County's temperate climate. Monterey County averages a 249-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 17.
Your Monterey County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monterey 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.