Growing Celeriac

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

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

(Best months for growing Celeriac in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 46°F and 70°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 31 inches apart
  • Harvest in 14-28 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, brassicas, carrots, leeks, lettuce, peas, sage, tomatoes, onions

Your comments and tips

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.
18 Sep 17, John Hann (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I have trouble with germination in seed trays.Any tips ? Much appreciated.Thanks P.S I have a hothouse
16 Mar 17, Jan (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
How do you know when the celeriac is ready to harvest?
17 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Harvest celeriac when the stem is 75-100 mm (3-4") across or before a heavy frost is likely.
16 Jan 17, Ruth Newbury-Swash (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Would like to try growing celeriac, I live on the Whangaparaoa Pen., Auckland, wonder if it would grow here or if wrong climate? Also, if ok, which variety would grow best here.....am trying to lose weight and read celeriace chips better diet option than potatoes? Many thanks, Ruth.
24 Feb 17, Trudy (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Warkworth and currently eating those as seeded Spring 2016. Seeds I purchased were Mars from egmont seeds.
20 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
If you can grow celery you should have no trouble growing celeriac. Check out your local seed companies for appropriate varieties. Trust this helps.
Showing 11 - 20 of 79 comments

We live near Bendigo. For years i have tried to grow Celeriac but unsuccessfully, first in Scotland and subsequently in Australia. The plants always ran to seed before forming a good root base. Last year i bought beautiful seedlings in June, planted them, they grew fantastically then bolted, I pulled them out. I tried growing from seed but direct sowing has never worked. Growing in a good seed mix did work but then the seedlings struggled and many failed in the ground. However my third attempt last year has resulted in some good sized celeriac which we are eating now. They are just showing signs of bolting though so are all getting lifted this week. They are very sensitive to drought so keep the plants well watered. Watch your plants for any signs of bolting and if they show them, rip them out and start again! I think now is a good time to start some in trays. I cannot find any seed yet this year but there are plants in the garden centres that i would not bother with - they are root bound and sure to bolt. Good luck. Celeriac is such a beautiful vegetable.

- Richard MacEwan

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