Blog

When to plant Celtuce in Ada County, ID

Plant Celtuce in Ada County after April 23; the prime window is April 9–April 30. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celtuce in Ada County, ID

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.

Ada County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 4,372 feet, Ada County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celtuce successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Ada County, ID (Zone 7a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Ada County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celtuce

Celtuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celtuce Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celtuce Planting Timeline — Ada County, ID

Celtuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Ada County

Growing Tips for Ada 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 Ada County, ID?

Ada County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ada County, ID?

Ada County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Celtuce in Ada County, ID?

In Ada County, ID, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ada County, ID for Celtuce?

Ada County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celtuce grow in Ada County's climate?

Yes — Celtuce grows well in Ada County's temperate climate. Ada County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Ada County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ada County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.