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When to plant Celery in Lafayette County, MO

Aim to plant Celery in Lafayette County on or after March 30; the window stays open through April 20. Lafayette County's 194-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Lafayette County, MO

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.

Lafayette County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 732 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.

Lafayette County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Lafayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celery Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, MO

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Aug 31
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Lafayette County

Growing Tips for Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO?

Lafayette County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lafayette County, MO?

Lafayette County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Celery in Lafayette County, MO?

In Lafayette County, MO, plant Celery after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lafayette County, MO for Celery?

Lafayette County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Lafayette County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Lafayette County's temperate climate. Lafayette County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lafayette 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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