When to Plant Celtuce in Monroe County, WV
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.
Monroe County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 3,354 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celtuce Planting Timeline — Monroe County, WV
Celtuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, WV?
Monroe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Celtuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, WV?
Monroe County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.