Celeriac (Celery Root) in Zone 4a & 4b
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
When to plant celeriac (celery root) in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 6–Mar 13 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 1–May 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 9–Aug 16 (~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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 4b 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 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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