When to plant Celtuce in Adams County, CO
Plant Celtuce in Adams County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 20. Continue planting through May 11 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Adams County, CO
June to-do list for Adams County, Colorado
Your garden in Adams County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Get celtuce seeds going inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: celtuce
- Fall sowing: 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.
Adams County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 5,827 feet, Adams County receives approximately 23.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
Adams County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Celtuce 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 Adams County
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) is more alkaline than Celtuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Celtuce Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Adams 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 — Adams County, CO
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Adams County
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after May 04 in Adams 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 Adams County, CO?
Adams County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adams County, CO?
Adams County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Celtuce in Adams County, CO?
In Adams County, CO, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Adams County, CO for Celtuce?
Adams County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in Adams County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Adams County's temperate climate. Adams County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 5.
Your Adams County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adams County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.