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When to plant Celery in Denver County, CO

Denver County gardeners should plant Celery between April 30 and May 21 in spring. With Denver County's Zone 6a climate (last frost May 14), Celery needs 80–120 days to mature — plant by May 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Denver County, CO

Celery

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.

Denver County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 6,818 feet, Denver County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.

Denver County, CO (Zone 6a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Denver County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Denver County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celery Planting Timeline — Denver County, CO

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 – Oct 1
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 1

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

135 days in Denver County

Growing Tips for Denver 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

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celery in Denver County, CO?

Denver County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Denver County, CO?

Denver County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Celery in Denver County, CO?

In Denver County, CO, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Denver County, CO for Celery?

Denver County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Denver County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Denver County's temperate climate. Denver County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.

🌱

Your Denver County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Denver 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Denver County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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