Celeriac (Celery Root) in Zone 5a & 5b
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Yes, celeriac (celery root) grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 1–Mar 8 and plant out Apr 26–May 3.
When to plant celeriac (celery root) in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 1–Mar 8 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 26–May 3 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 4–Aug 11 (~100 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of celeriac (celery root) in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionApr 19–Apr 26
- RadishApr 12–Apr 19
- CarrotApr 19–Apr 26
- CabbageApr 26–May 3
- LettuceApr 26–May 3
- BroccoliApr 26–May 3
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Celeriac (celery root) needs about 100 days from transplant to first harvest.
Celeriac (Celery Root) planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Celeriac (Celery Root) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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