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
  • 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

05 Apr 21, Colleen Andrews (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
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.
06 Apr 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The beans would have put some nitrogen into the soil.
16 Sep 20, Michelle Tanner (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I grew wonderful celeriac in Kent,UK on limestone soil but here in the Waikato I have much less success. If they grow at all they are much smaller (golf to tennis ball rather than the small football sized ones from before). I am going to give it one last go this year, trying a variety of sizes and will feed and water like mad!
17 Sep 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Buy a cheap pH tester. If you have heavy soil, lighten it up a bit with sand or compost. Start with with good rich soil and MAYBE a light fert when plants are 8 weeks old. DON
18 Sep 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Don't over fert or water it. 3 good waterings a week is enough.
16 Sep 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The answer might be in your soil. It would be worth testing to see how acid it is . Most NZ soils tend towards acidity. Your limestone soil in Kent was more alkaline than acid.
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.
Showing 1 - 10 of 12 comments

Harvest celeriac when the stem is 75-100 mm (3-4") across or before a heavy frost is likely.

- John

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