PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant celery in Washington, District of Columbia

March 24 – April 7

Transplant outdoors · typical Washington year

Climate basis: NOAA station Washington Reagan AP, VA (USW00013743), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Washington (ZCTA 20004 centroid), elevation 10 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant celery outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 6.

Last spring freezeMarch 241-in-10 after Apr 6
First fall freezeNovember 181-in-10 before Nov 5
Frost-free season≈ 241 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 12 – Dec 3kills even hardy greens

The Washington year

Start seeds indoorsDec 30 – Jan 13
Transplant outdoorsMar 24 – Apr 7
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 6
Celery in Washington · freeze context from Washington Reagan AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Dec 30 – Jan 13

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 (Mar 24). University of New Hampshire Extension

Transplant outdoors

Mar 24 – Apr 7

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 (Mar 24). 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

This crop, other cities
Related crops in Washington
Local overview