When to plant Celtuce in Clarke County, IA
In Zone 5b (Clarke County), direct-sow Celtuce between April 10 and May 1 for spring, after the April 24 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Clarke 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.
Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,182 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
Clarke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Clarke County, IA
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
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 | 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Clarke County
Growing Tips for Clarke 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 Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Celtuce in Clarke County, IA?
In Clarke County, IA, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clarke County, IA for Celtuce?
Clarke 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 Clarke County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Clarke County's temperate climate. Clarke County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Clarke County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clarke 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.