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When to plant Celery in Chouteau County, MT

The best window to plant Celery in Chouteau County, is May 5–May 26, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 12; first frost September 27. A second sowing from July 5 to July 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Chouteau County, MT

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.

Chouteau County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.

At an elevation of 5,753 feet, Chouteau County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celery successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Chouteau County, MT (Zone 4a) Short season
138 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
138 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Chouteau County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celery Planting Timeline — Chouteau County, MT

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest August 4 Aug 4 – Sep 29
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 – Jul 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

138 days in Chouteau County

Growing Tips for Chouteau 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 Chouteau County, MT?

Chouteau County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chouteau County, MT?

Chouteau County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 27.

When should I plant Celery in Chouteau County, MT?

In Chouteau County, MT, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chouteau County, MT for Celery?

Chouteau County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Chouteau County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Chouteau County's temperate climate. Chouteau County averages a 138-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around September 27.

🌱

Your Chouteau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chouteau County (Zone 4a). 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 Chouteau County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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