When to plant Celtuce in Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Celtuce between April 10 (after last frost on April 24) and May 1. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celtuce in Middlesex County, MA
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.
Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 117 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.
Middlesex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Middlesex County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Middlesex County, MA
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 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 |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Middlesex County
Growing Tips for Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, MA?
Middlesex County is in Zone 6b 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 Middlesex County, MA?
Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Celtuce in Middlesex County, MA?
In Middlesex County, MA, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Middlesex County, MA for Celtuce?
Middlesex 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 Middlesex County's climate?
Yes — Celtuce grows well in Middlesex County's temperate climate. Middlesex County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.
Your Middlesex County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Middlesex 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.