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When to plant Celery in DuPage County County,

Plant Celery in DuPage County County from April 9 to April 30 in spring. DuPage County County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 23 and first frost on October 17. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in DuPage County, IL

Celery

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.

DuPage County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 803 feet, DuPage County receives approximately 31 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall.

DuPage County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

DuPage County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celery

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

Month Celery Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celery Planting Timeline — DuPage County, IL

Celery 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 July 16 Jul 16 – Sep 10
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in DuPage County

Growing Tips for DuPage County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celery in DuPage County, IL?

DuPage County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DuPage County, IL?

DuPage County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Celery in DuPage County County, ?

In DuPage County County, , plant Celery after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DuPage County County, for Celery?

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

Can Celery grow in DuPage County County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in DuPage County County's temperate climate. DuPage County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

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Your DuPage County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DuPage 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 DuPage County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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