Blog

When to plant Celeriac in Sumter County, FL

Plant Celeriac in Sumter County from January 16 to February 6 in spring. Sumter County sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around February 6 and first frost on December 6. A second sowing from October 11 to October 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Sumter County, FL

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.

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.

At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Celeriac may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Celeriac will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celeriac root diseases.

Sumter County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 6
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Sumter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-6.1

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 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

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

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Sumter County, FL

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 9 Jan 9 – Jan 23
Transplant Outdoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Direct Sow January 16 Jan 16 – Feb 6
Harvest May 22 May 22 – Jun 26
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 – Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

303 days in Sumter County

Growing Tips for Sumter 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 Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.

When should I plant Celeriac in Sumter County, FL?

In Sumter County, FL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around February 6) and before the first frost (around December 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sumter County, FL for Celeriac?

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

Can Celeriac grow in Sumter County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Sumter County's temperate climate. Sumter County averages a 304-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 6 and first frost around December 6.

🌱

Your Sumter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sumter 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.