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When to plant Celtuce in DeKalb County, GA

For DeKalb County, gardeners: plant Celtuce March 8 through March 29 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celtuce in DeKalb County, GA

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.

DeKalb County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 323 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 50.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celtuce, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celtuce root diseases.

DeKalb County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

DeKalb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celtuce Planting Timeline — DeKalb County, GA

Celtuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

236 days in DeKalb County

Growing Tips for DeKalb 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celtuce in DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Celtuce in DeKalb County, GA?

In DeKalb County, GA, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeKalb County, GA for Celtuce?

DeKalb County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celtuce grow in DeKalb County's climate?

Yes — Celtuce grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 13.

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A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb County (Zone 8a). 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 DeKalb County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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