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When to plant Celeriac in Johnson County, IL

In Zone 7a (Johnson County), direct-sow Celeriac between March 24 and April 14 for spring, after the April 7 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Johnson County, 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.

Johnson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season.

Johnson County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.2

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Johnson County, IL

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 – Aug 25
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, IL?

Johnson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, IL?

Johnson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Celeriac in Johnson County, IL?

In Johnson County, IL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, IL for Celeriac?

Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celeriac grow in Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 7a). 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 Johnson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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