When to Plant Celeriac in Hood County, TX
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.
Hood County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,554 feet, Hood County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celeriac, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celeriac root diseases.
Hood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Hood County
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–7.6) is more alkaline than Celeriac prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your soil has 40% clay, which can cause forked or stunted roots for Celeriac. Use raised beds with loose, sandy mix for best results.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Celeriac.
How to Plant Celeriac
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hood 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 — Hood County, TX
Celeriac Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Hood County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Hood County
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after March 21 in Hood County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Hood County's clay soil (40% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Celeriac. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Hood County, TX?
Hood County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hood County, TX?
Hood County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hood County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.