When to plant Celtuce in Whiteside County, IL
Whiteside County's spring Celtuce window runs April 2 through April 23. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Whiteside 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.
Whiteside County, 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.
Whiteside County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Whiteside County, 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Whiteside County
Growing Tips for Whiteside 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 Whiteside County, IL?
Whiteside County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whiteside County, IL?
Whiteside County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Celtuce in Whiteside County, IL?
In Whiteside County, 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 Whiteside County, IL for Celtuce?
Whiteside County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in Whiteside County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Whiteside County's temperate climate. Whiteside County 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.