PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant celery in Sacramento, California

January 12 – January 26

Transplant outdoors · typical Sacramento year

Climate basis: NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Sacramento (ZCTA 95814 centroid), elevation 38 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant celery outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (January 12). One year in ten still freezes after February 8.

Last spring freezeJanuary 121-in-10 after Feb 8
First fall freezeDecember 161-in-10 before Nov 28
Frost-free season≈ 341 daysmedian at 32°F
USDA zone9b25 to 30°F winter low — not frost timing

The Sacramento year

Start seeds indoorsOct 20 – Nov 3
Transplant outdoorsJan 12 – Jan 26
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Feb 8
Celery in Sacramento · freeze context from Sacramento 5 Ese, CA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Oct 20 – Nov 3

Sow 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 (Jan 12). University of New Hampshire Extension

Transplant outdoors

Jan 12 – Jan 26

UNH: 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 (Jan 12). 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.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

Keep exploring

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