When to Plant Celeriac in Monroe County, MS
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.
Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 448 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celeriac, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celeriac root diseases.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Celeriac's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Celeriac.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Celeriac.
How to Plant Celeriac
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, MS
Celeriac Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Monroe County
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after March 23 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Monroe County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Celeriac. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celeriac in Monroe County, MS?
Monroe County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, MS?
Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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