Growing Celeriac

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Celeriac in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 21°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 - 80 cm apart
  • Harvest in 14-28 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, brassicas, carrots, leeks, lettuce, peas, sage, tomatoes, onions
  • Young celeriac

A form of celery which has a swollen root and lower stem. Raise seeds in individual pots and plant out after last frost to give them plenty of time to develop a good root. Grow in a very fertile, rich soil. Water generously.

In cold climates start under glass in late winter/early spring.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Celeriac

Cook whole, scrubbed and peeled.
Or slice or dice.
Tastes like celery.
Good addition to mashed potato for extra flavour.

Your comments and tips

25 Dec 22, Charles (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I'm in Port St John, have you found a variety that does better than others here?
01 Dec 18, Lynn Lawler (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi! I live on the east coast of Central Florida and would like to be able to grow celeriac seems to do really well here, so does anyone know if I can grow celriac? Also, do you know if it can be regrown for the seeds?
21 Jan 22, Drew (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Yes, I live also on the east coast near Titusville and I grew really big, beautiful celeriac, from seed, organically, in a raised bed last year. I plan to put it in again this week (late Jan). They take what seems like forever to bulb up. But patience is your friend. Good luck!
29 Nov 17, Beate (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I want to grow some Celeriac and wonder if the southern heat in the summer will affect its growth. I live in Columbus Georgia and celeriac is not known down here. Also, if I sow in January, will the frost affect it?
29 Dec 17, Donna (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Being as Celeriac is a root crop, it can easily handle Winters in Georgia, IMO. I live in Port Angeles, WA, and I grow Celeriac all year around. However, I do use about 4" of Alder wood chips. Works great at keeping everything nice and cozy. :-)
18 Jan 18, Andi (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Hi PA -Donna, I'm in Sequim!! Do you start from seed? No greenhouse here...just raised beds.
18 Sep 17, Cynthia (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I peel and grate the celeriac in then sautee in a skillet for a replacement of potato hash browns.

In Taupo I'm currently harvesting some whopping celeriac after coming across a punnet in Mitre 10 in January. This is a first for me and I'll be looking to a repeat next season. They've had lots of water and an occasional liquid feed of seaweed. The previous crop was broad beans. A winning formula by the results.

- Colleen Andrews

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