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When to Plant Celtuce in Culberson County, TX

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.

Culberson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.

At an elevation of 2,716 feet, Culberson County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96Β°F, so Celtuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Celtuce will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celtuce root diseases.

Culberson County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
227 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
227 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Culberson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.1

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 β€” 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Culberson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celtuce Planting Timeline β€” Culberson County, TX

Celtuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Jul 12
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

227 days in Culberson County

Growing Tips for Culberson 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 Culberson County, TX?

Culberson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Culberson County, TX?

Culberson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Culberson County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Culberson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.