When to plant Celtuce in Shelby County, IL
Celtuce planted in Shelby County between March 31 and April 21 matures in 60–90 days — well before the October 17 first frost. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Shelby County, IL
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.
Shelby County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 807 feet, Shelby County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
Shelby County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Shelby County, IL
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Shelby County
Growing Tips for Shelby 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 →
Celtuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celtuce in Shelby County, IL?
Shelby County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shelby County, IL?
Shelby County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Celtuce in Shelby County, IL?
In Shelby County, IL, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shelby County, IL for Celtuce?
Shelby County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in Shelby County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Shelby County's temperate climate. Shelby County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Shelby County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Shelby County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.