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When to plant Celeriac in Moline, IL

For Moline, gardeners: plant Celeriac April 1 through April 22 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Moline, IL

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.

Moline, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 1,172 feet, Rock Island County receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celeriac to ensure they mature before fall.

Moline, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Moline Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celeriac

Celeriac needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celeriac Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rock Island County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Moline, IL

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 2
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 – Aug 24

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

100–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

187 days in Rock Island County

Growing Tips for Moline

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Celeriac in Moline, IL?

In Moline, IL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Moline, IL for Celeriac?

Moline sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celeriac grow in Moline's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Moline's temperate climate. Moline averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Rock Island County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rock Island County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Rock Island County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.