When to plant celery in Fargo, North Dakota
May 10 – May 24
Transplant outdoors · typical Fargo yearClimate basis: NOAA station Fargo Hector INTL AP, ND (USW00014914), 1 mi (2 km) from downtown Fargo (ZCTA 58102 centroid), elevation 900 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant celery outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 10). One year in ten still freezes after May 23.
The Fargo year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 23
Every method, with its sources
Start seeds indoors
Feb 15 – Mar 1Sow 10–12 weeks before the set-out window opens (UNH: time from seed to transplant 10–12 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 10). University of New Hampshire Extension
Transplant outdoors
May 10 – May 24UNH: set out after the last frost. Purdue's semi-hardy class allows 2–4 weeks before; the later UNH rule is used (celery is easily vernalized by cold spells). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 10). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension
Variety assumption: A long, steady season (about 100–120 days from transplant; Penn State lists 120).
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (2)
- University of New Hampshire Extension: Growing Vegetables: When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden [fact sheet] (accessed 2026-07-24)Per-crop 'time from seed to transplant' and 'safe to set out in garden' relative to last frost.
- Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.