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When to Plant Celtuce in Morris 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.

Morris County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 185 feet, Morris County receives approximately 69.9 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.

Morris County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Morris County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

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 β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 7.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 11.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celtuce Planting Timeline β€” Morris County, TX

Celtuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 19
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jun 25
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 Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July β€”
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 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

244 days in Morris County

Growing Tips for Morris 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 Morris County, TX?

Morris County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morris County, TX?

Morris County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Morris County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Morris County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.