When to plant Celery in Dearborn, MO
Aim to plant Celery in Dearborn on or after March 27; the window stays open through April 17. Dearborn's 199-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Dearborn, MO
June to-do list for Platte County, Missouri
June is a pivotal month for Platte County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: 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.
Dearborn, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,021 feet, Platte County receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Dearborn Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Celery Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Dearborn
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Platte County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celery
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Celery Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celery
Celery needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celery Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.6" | 3.2" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 3.7" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 4.4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.1" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 3.5" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 2.8" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Platte County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celery Planting Timeline — Dearborn, MO
Celery 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 | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1.3"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Platte County
Growing Tips for Celery in Dearborn
Direct sow Celery outdoors after April 10 in Platte County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
When should I plant Celery in Dearborn, MO?
In Dearborn, MO, plant Celery after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dearborn, MO for Celery?
Dearborn sits in USDA Zone 6b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Dearborn's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Dearborn's temperate climate. Dearborn averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 26.
Your Platte County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Platte 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.