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When to plant Celeriac in Clay County, AL

Aim to plant Celeriac in Clay County on or after March 15; the window stays open through April 5. Clay County's 216-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Clay County, AL

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.

Clay County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 109 feet, Clay County receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.

Clay County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
216 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

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 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Clay County, AL

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Aug 16
Fall Sowing August 22 Aug 22 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celeriac in Clay County, AL?

Clay County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clay County, AL?

Clay County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Celeriac in Clay County, AL?

In Clay County, AL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around March 29) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clay County, AL for Celeriac?

Clay County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celeriac grow in Clay County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 29 and first frost around October 31.

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Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 8a). 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 Clay County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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