How to Grow Celeriac

Celeriac Germination Information

How to Sow Celeriac:

• Sow seeds indoors at 68-70° with NO cover as light aids in germination
• Seeds will germinate in 15-20 days
• It is not recommended to sow the seeds outdoors
• Seeds are very small

How to Grow Celeriac:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: After last frost, plant out 8 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

Soil: Site in extremely rich, high organic matter, moist soil that is like muck, but with good drainage.

Lighting: Site in full sun to partial shade

Additional Care: Keep plants moist and water them at ground level, avoiding the foliage. Feed every 2-3 weeks with a soluble fertilizer. Underutilized as a vegetable as it takes such a long time to grow: 200 days to maturity, but roots are harvested in 85-110 days

Appearance and Use:

Also called Turnip-rooted Celery or Celery root, it is a close relative to and is similar in appearance to Celery. However, it is grown for its ugly, light brown, swollen root that tastes like Celery but with nutty undertones. Harvest the roots in the above mentioned time frame, and when they are 31/2 inches diameter or smaller. They will grow larger, but become tougher, woodier, and less flavorful. The roots can be stored in the crisper (keep cool and moist) for 3-4 months. Eat them fresh or canned, but they do not freeze well. Peel the rough outer skin down to the creamy white center and cook like potatoes and eat alone or add to soups and stews. Thinly slice them to add to raw salads

About Celeriac:
Botanical name: Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Pronunciation:  ap’e-um grå-ve’o-lenz rå-pa’se-um
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Apiaceae; native to Europe