When to plant Celtuce in Dover, IL
Celtuce planted in Dover between April 8 and April 29 matures in 90 days — well before the October 14 first frost. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Dover, IL
June to-do list for Bureau County, Illinois
A quick June briefing for Bureau County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Pick celtuce
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: celtuce
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.
Dover, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 613 feet, Bureau County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celtuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Dover Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Celtuce 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 Dover
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Celtuce's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bureau County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Celtuce will thrive.
How to Plant Celtuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celtuce
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Celtuce Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celtuce
Celtuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celtuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bureau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce 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.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Dover, IL
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Bureau County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Dover
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after April 22 in Bureau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Celtuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Celtuce in Other Locations
When should I plant Celtuce in Dover, IL?
In Dover, IL, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dover, IL for Celtuce?
Dover sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in Dover's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Dover's temperate climate. Dover averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Bureau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bureau 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.