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When to plant Celeriac in Dubuque County, IA

Plant Celeriac in Dubuque County after April 29; the prime window is April 15–May 6. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Dubuque County, IA

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.

Dubuque County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 1,243 feet, Dubuque County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celeriac to ensure they mature before fall.

Dubuque County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Dubuque County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.3

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Dubuque County, IA

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 – Sep 16
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

163 days in Dubuque County

Growing Tips for Dubuque 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 Dubuque County, IA?

Dubuque County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dubuque County, IA?

Dubuque County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Celeriac in Dubuque County, IA?

In Dubuque County, IA, plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dubuque County, IA for Celeriac?

Dubuque County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celeriac grow in Dubuque County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Dubuque County's temperate climate. Dubuque County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Dubuque County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dubuque County (Zone 5a). 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 Dubuque County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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