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When to plant Celery in Evans, CO

In Zone 5b (Evans), direct-sow Celery between April 18 and May 9 for spring, after the May 2 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Evans, CO

Celery
Weld County, Colorado Zone 5b July

Weld County, Colorado gardeners: here's your July plan

Welcome to July in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 7
Soil temp (4") 56°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs
  1. Pick celery

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

  2. Get celery in for a late-season harvest

    Your first frost is about 13 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.

Before August arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: celery

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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.

Evans, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 6,992 feet, Weld County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°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.

Evans, CO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Evans Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Celery Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Oct 6

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 Evans

How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6–8.1) is more alkaline than Celery prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Weld County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.

How to Plant Celery

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Celery

2
successive plantings in your 158-day season

Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 09 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.

Celery Water Budget

Plant needs
1.3″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,350 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Celery

Celery needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" 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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 5.6" 2.3" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 5.6" 1.4" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 5.6" 1.7" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 5.6" 1.8" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 5.6" 1.7" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 5.6" 1.7" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celery 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.

Celery needs ~1,525 GDD — county provides 2,409 GDD Excellent fit

Celery Planting Timeline — Evans, CO

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 19
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1.3"/week · 2-3 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Weld County

Growing Tips for Celery in Evans

Direct sow Celery outdoors after May 02 in Weld County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

Weld County receives only 19" of rain annually. Celery needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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 →

When should I plant Celery in Evans, CO?

In Evans, CO, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Evans, CO for Celery?

Evans sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Evans's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Evans's temperate climate. Evans averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Weld County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Weld County (Zone 5b). 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 Weld County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.