When to plant Celtuce in Morrison, IL
Celtuce planted in Morrison between April 2 and April 23 matures in 60–90 days — well before the October 16 first frost. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Morrison, IL
June in Whiteside County, Illinois — your action list
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Whiteside County, Illinois.
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Collect celtuce at their peak
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Morrison, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 682 feet, Whiteside County receives approximately 30.2 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.
Morrison Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Morrison
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Celtuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Whiteside County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Celtuce.
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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Whiteside 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 — Morrison, IL
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Whiteside County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Morrison
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after April 16 in Whiteside 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 Morrison, IL?
In Morrison, IL, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morrison, IL for Celtuce?
Morrison sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in Morrison's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Morrison's temperate climate. Morrison averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 16.
Your Whiteside County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Whiteside 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.