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When to plant Celtuce in Madison County, MO

In Zone 6b (Madison County), direct-sow Celtuce between March 27 and April 17 for spring, after the April 10 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celtuce in Madison County, MO

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.

Madison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 888 feet, Madison County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season.

Madison County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celtuce Planting Timeline — Madison County, MO

Celtuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 24
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

198 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celtuce in Madison County, MO?

Madison County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, MO?

Madison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Celtuce in Madison County, MO?

In Madison County, MO, plant Celtuce after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Madison County, MO for Celtuce?

Madison 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 Madison County's climate?

Yes — Celtuce grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.

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Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.

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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 Madison County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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