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When to plant Celery in Franklin County County,

In Zone 5b (Franklin County County), direct-sow Celery between April 25 and May 16 for spring, after the May 9 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Franklin County, MA

Celery

Celery is a marshland plant that requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures to produce crisp, flavorful stalks. It is a rewarding but demanding garden crop.

Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 1,016 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 42.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.

Franklin County, MA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celery

Celery needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celery Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celery Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MA

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Sep 26
Fall Sowing August 2 Aug 2 – Aug 16

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

155 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin County

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Keep soil consistently moist and never let it dry out. Blanch stalks by mounding soil or using collars for milder flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celery in Franklin County, MA?

Franklin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, MA?

Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Celery in Franklin County County, ?

In Franklin County County, , plant Celery after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Franklin County County, for Celery?

Franklin County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Franklin County County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Franklin County County's temperate climate. Franklin County County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Franklin County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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