When to plant Celeriac in Kankakee County County,
Plant Celeriac in Kankakee County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 6. Continue planting through April 27 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celeriac in Kankakee County, IL
Top priorities for Kankakee County, Illinois gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season.
Kankakee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 Kankakee County
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Celeriac's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kankakee County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Celeriac will thrive.
How to Plant Celeriac
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Celeriac 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kankakee 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 — Kankakee County, IL
Celeriac Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kankakee County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Kankakee County
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after April 20 in Kankakee 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 Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Celeriac in Kankakee County, ?
In Kankakee County, , plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kankakee County, for Celeriac?
Kankakee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celeriac grow in Kankakee County's climate?
Yes — Celeriac grows well in Kankakee County's temperate climate. Kankakee County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.
Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.