When to plant Celery in Lamar, MO
Lamar gardeners should plant Celery between March 26 and April 16 in spring. With Lamar's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 9), Celery needs 80–120 days to mature — plant by June 28 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Lamar, MO
What to do in June
Your garden in Barton County, Missouri is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Lamar, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 1,165 feet, Barton County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Lamar Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 Lamar
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) is more acidic than Celery prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Barton County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.6" | 3.3" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 3.4" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 4" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 3.9" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 2.8" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 2.6" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barton 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 — Lamar, MO
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Barton County
Growing Tips for Celery in Lamar
Direct sow Celery outdoors after April 09 in Barton 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 Lamar, MO?
In Lamar, MO, plant Celery after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lamar, MO for Celery?
Lamar sits in USDA Zone 7a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Lamar's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Lamar's temperate climate. Lamar averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.
Your Barton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Barton County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.