When to plant Celery in Sumner, GA
In Sumner, plant Celery in spring between February 14 and March 7, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Sumner's last frost averages March 7, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between September 23 and October 7 — roughly 80–120 days before the first frost on November 18.
When to Plant Celery in Sumner, GA
Your July planting checklist for Worth County, Georgia
Each item below is timed to Worth County, Georgia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Start harvesting celery
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Sumner, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 190 feet, Worth County receives approximately 58.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Celery may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celery, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celery root diseases.
Sumner Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Celery 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 Sumner
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Worth County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Celery.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celery
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 23.
Celery Water Budget
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.6" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 5.6" | 5" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.6" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 4.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 4.2" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Worth 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 Planting Timeline — Sumner, GA
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 14 | Feb 14 – Mar 7 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | September 23 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Worth County
Growing Tips for Celery in Sumner
Direct sow Celery outdoors after March 07 in Worth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Worth County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Celery. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Worth County, provide afternoon shade for Celery and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
When should I plant Celery in Sumner, GA?
In Sumner, GA, plant Celery after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner, GA for Celery?
Sumner sits in USDA Zone 9a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Sumner's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Sumner's temperate climate. Sumner averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Worth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Worth County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.