Celeriac (Celery Root) in Zone 3a & 3b
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Yes, celeriac (celery root) grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Mar 21–Mar 28 and plant out May 16–May 23.
When to plant celeriac (celery root) in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 21–Mar 28 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 24–Aug 31 (~100 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of celeriac (celery root) in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionMay 9–May 16
- RadishMay 2–May 9
- CarrotMay 9–May 16
- CabbageMay 16–May 23
- LettuceMay 16–May 23
- BroccoliMay 16–May 23
Celeriac is celery bred in the other direction: same species, but the plant puts its effort into a swollen root instead of stalks. It comes out of the ground looking like a knot of pale roots wrapped round a cricket ball, and once you've peeled it, it tastes like celery that has calmed down. Grated raw into a remoulade or roasted in chunks, it earns its space.
How celeriac (celery root) fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Celeriac (celery root) needs about 100 days from transplant to first harvest.
Celeriac (Celery Root) planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Mar 21–Mar 28 | May 16–May 23 | Aug 24–Aug 31 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 6–Mar 13 | May 1–May 8 | Aug 9–Aug 16 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 1–Mar 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | Aug 4–Aug 11 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 14–Feb 21 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jul 20–Jul 27 |
| 7a & 7b | Jan 30–Feb 6 | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jul 5–Jul 12 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 14–Jan 21 | Mar 11–Mar 18 | Jun 19–Jun 26 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 7–Dec 14 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | May 12–May 19 |
Harvest dates are about 100 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for celeriac (celery root).
Where to buy celeriac seeds
True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's celeriac seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Brilliant: Listed at 110 days and described as early-maturing for the crop, which tells you something about celeriac. Buy: Burpee Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing celeriac (celery root)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Celeriac (Celery Root) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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