Celeriac (Celery Root) in Zone 9a & 9b
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Yes, celeriac (celery root) grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Dec 7–Dec 14 and plant out Feb 1–Feb 8.
When to plant celeriac (celery root) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Dec 7–Dec 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 1–Feb 8 |
| Estimated harvest | May 12–May 19 (~100 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of celeriac (celery root) in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionJan 25–Feb 1
- RadishJan 18–Jan 25
- CarrotJan 25–Feb 1
- CabbageFeb 1–Feb 8
- LettuceFeb 1–Feb 8
- BroccoliFeb 1–Feb 8
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Celeriac (celery root) needs about 100 days from transplant to first harvest.
Celeriac (Celery Root) planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Celeriac (Celery Root) in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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