When to plant Celeriac in Bodega, CA
Bodega's climate puts the Celeriac spring window between February 5 and February 26. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celeriac in Bodega, CA
This month in Sonoma County, California
June is a pivotal month for Sonoma County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect celeriac at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: celeriac
Celeriac is a celery relative grown for its knobby, flavorful root rather than its stalks. It has a rich celery flavor and is excellent roasted, mashed, or in soups.
Bodega, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 91 feet, Sonoma County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Celeriac will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Bodega Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Celeriac Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Bodega
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Celeriac's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sonoma County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Celeriac will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Celeriac is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Celeriac.
How to Plant Celeriac
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Celeriac Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Celeriac
Celeriac needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celeriac Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Sonoma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celeriac Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celeriac Planting Timeline — Bodega, CA
Celeriac Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Sonoma County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Bodega
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after February 26 in Sonoma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sonoma County dries quickly — mulch Celeriac with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Celeriac in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Remove side roots as they develop to encourage a single large bulb. Harvest after a light frost for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Celeriac in Other Locations
When should I plant Celeriac in Bodega, CA?
In Bodega, CA, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around February 26) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bodega, CA for Celeriac?
Bodega sits in USDA Zone 9b. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celeriac grow in Bodega's climate?
Yes — Celeriac grows well in Bodega's temperate climate. Bodega averages a 274-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 26 and first frost around November 26.
Your Sonoma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sonoma County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.