When to plant celery in zone 4a — planting calendar

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 7First frost ~Oct 13Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 26 · Transplant Apr 23 · First harvest Aug 1 · Wrap by Aug 29

Last spring frostMay 7

Start seeds indoorsFeb 26

Transplant outApr 23

First harvestAug 1

Last harvestAug 29

Fall succession sowJun 30

First fall frostOct 13

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 frost-free days. Celery tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 10 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jun 30 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does celery take to grow in zone 4a?

Celery matures in about 100–120 days from transplanting. In zone 4a that means setting plants out around Apr 23 and first picking around Aug 1.

Will celery survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — celery tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).

Can I plant a second crop of celery in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jun 30 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full celery growing guide →

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