When to plant Celtuce in New Castle County, DE
Spring Celtuce in New Castle County goes in March 23–April 13, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in New Castle County, DE
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.
New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 415 feet, New Castle County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
New Castle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celtuce Planting Timeline — New Castle County, DE
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in New Castle County
Growing Tips for New Castle County
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 New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Celtuce in New Castle County, DE?
In New Castle County, DE, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is New Castle County, DE for Celtuce?
New Castle County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in New Castle County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in New Castle County's temperate climate. New Castle County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your New Castle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for New Castle County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.