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

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 - 12 of 12 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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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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