When to plant Celeriac in Forsyth, IL
In Zone 6a (Forsyth), direct-sow Celeriac between March 30 and April 20 for spring, after the April 13 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celeriac in Forsyth, IL
What to do in August
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Macon County, Illinois this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the celeriac
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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Get celeriac in for a late-season harvest
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
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.
Forsyth, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,064 feet, Macon County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season.
Forsyth Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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 Forsyth
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) overlaps with Celeriac's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Macon County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macon 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 — Forsyth, IL
Celeriac Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Macon County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Forsyth
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after April 13 in Macon 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
When should I plant Celeriac in Forsyth, IL?
In Forsyth, IL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Forsyth, IL for Celeriac?
Forsyth sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celeriac grow in Forsyth's climate?
Yes — Celeriac grows well in Forsyth's temperate climate. Forsyth averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 19.
Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Macon 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.