When to Plant Celtuce in Refugio 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.
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Refugio County receives approximately 68.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Celtuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celtuce root diseases.
Refugio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Refugio County
How your county's soil matches Celtuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) overlaps with Celtuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Refugio County is excellent for Celtuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Celtuce.
How to Plant Celtuce
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celtuce
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celtuce
Celtuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celtuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Refugio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Refugio County, TX
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 |
| Harvest | April 20 | Apr 20 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Refugio County
Growing Tips for Celtuce in Refugio County
Direct sow Celtuce outdoors after February 16 in Refugio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Refugio County, provide afternoon shade for Celtuce and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Celtuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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