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When to plant Celeriac in Richland County, IL

Richland County gardeners should plant Celeriac between March 30 and April 20 in spring. With Richland County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 13), Celeriac needs 100–120 days to mature — plant by June 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 18 to September 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Richland County, IL

Richland County, Illinois Zone 6b June

June in Richland County, Illinois — your action list

Here's what deserves your attention in Richland County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost April 13
Avg. first frost October 27
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.7 hrs
Looking ahead to July
  • First harvests: celeriac

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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.

Richland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,135 feet, Richland County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season.

Richland County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Richland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Celeriac Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Aug 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Aug 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Sep 14

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 Richland County

How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Celeriac's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Richland County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Celeriac will thrive.

How to Plant Celeriac

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Celeriac Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 94 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3.9" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.9" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.9" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.9" 3.8" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.9" 3" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Richland 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 needs ~2,008 GDD — county provides 3,595 GDD Excellent fit

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Richland County, 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 18 Aug 18 – Sep 1

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 Fall Sowing
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Richland County

Growing Tips for Celeriac in Richland County

Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after April 13 in Richland 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

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celeriac in Richland County, IL?

Richland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Richland County, IL?

Richland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Celeriac in Richland County, IL?

In Richland County, IL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Richland County, IL for Celeriac?

Richland County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celeriac grow in Richland County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Richland County's temperate climate. Richland County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Richland County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Richland County (Zone 6b). 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 Richland County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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