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When to plant Celery in Fulton County County,

Plant Celery in Fulton County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 6. Continue planting through April 27 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Fulton 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.

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 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.

Fulton County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.7

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celery Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 7
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April 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 6a

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Celery in Fulton County County, ?

In Fulton County County, , plant Celery after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fulton County County, for Celery?

Fulton County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Fulton County County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Fulton County County's temperate climate. Fulton County County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 6a). 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 Fulton County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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