When to plant Celtuce in Calhoun County, IA
Calhoun County gardeners should plant Celtuce between April 11 and May 2 in spring. With Calhoun County's Zone 5a climate (last frost April 25), Celtuce needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 8 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Calhoun County, IA
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.
Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celtuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Celtuce
Celtuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Calhoun County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IA
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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 Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, IA?
Calhoun County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, IA?
Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Celtuce in Calhoun County, IA?
In Calhoun County, IA, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Calhoun County, IA for Celtuce?
Calhoun County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Celtuce grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celtuce grow in Calhoun County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Calhoun County's temperate climate. Calhoun County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 6.
Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.