When to plant Celeriac in Cass County, IL
Cass County's spring Celeriac window runs April 1 through April 22. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celeriac in Cass County, IL
Your August planting checklist for Cass County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Cass County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for celeriac
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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Start your fall crops: celeriac
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
September prep starts now
- 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.
Cass County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 703 feet, Cass County receives approximately 31.9 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.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Cass County
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Celeriac's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cass County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Celeriac is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Celeriac.
How to Plant Celeriac
Fall planting: Sow 10 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cass 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 — Cass County, 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 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Cass County
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after April 15 in Cass County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celeriac in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celeriac in Cass County, IL?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, IL?
Cass County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Celeriac in Cass County, IL?
In Cass County, IL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cass County, IL for Celeriac?
Cass County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celeriac grow in Cass County's climate?
Yes — Celeriac grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 16.
Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cass County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.