When to Plant Celtuce in Dawes County, NE
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.
Dawes County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 790 feet, Dawes County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celtuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Dawes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Celtuce
Celtuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celtuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dawes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Dawes County, NE
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Dawes County
Growing Tips for Dawes 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 →
Celtuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celtuce in Dawes County, NE?
Dawes County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawes County, NE?
Dawes County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Dawes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dawes County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.