Celeriac (Celery Root) in Zone 3a & 3b
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
When to plant celeriac (celery root) in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Celeriac (Celery Root) 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.

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.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Celeriac (Celery Root).
Where to buy celeriac seeds
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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 · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · 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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