When to Plant Celtuce in Lavaca 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.
Lavaca County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 254 feet, Lavaca County receives approximately 60.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Celtuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celtuce root diseases.
Lavaca County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lavaca County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Lavaca County, TX
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
278 days in Lavaca County
Growing Tips for Lavaca 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 Lavaca County, TX?
Lavaca County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lavaca County, TX?
Lavaca County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Lavaca County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lavaca County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.