Blog

When to plant Celeriac in Stark County, IL

Stark County's spring Celeriac window runs April 7 through April 28. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Stark 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.

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celeriac to ensure they mature before fall.

Stark County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Stark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Harvest August 4 Aug 4 – Sep 8
Fall Sowing August 3 Aug 3 – Aug 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

100–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Stark County

Growing Tips for Stark 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 Stark County, IL?

Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stark County, IL?

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Celeriac in Stark County, IL?

In Stark County, IL, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stark County, IL for Celeriac?

Stark 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 Stark County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Stark County's temperate climate. Stark County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stark 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Stark County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.