How to Grow Celeriac
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Celeriac
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
vegetableCeleriac, also known as celery root, is a cool-season vegetable grown for its large, bulbous underground root that develops a bumpy, knobby appearance. It has a mild celery flavor with a creamy texture when cooked, making it popular in European cuisine. The leafy tops are edible but tougher than celery.
When should you plant Celeriac in your zone?
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Example Celeriac timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Celeriac
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Celeriac
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Celeriac dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cool-season growing conditions
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Seedling
6-8 weeks indoorsTiny seedlings emerge with fine cotyledons. Very slow to germinate (10-14 days) and establish. Plants remain small with 2-4 true leaves.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before transplant.
Transplant & Establishment
2-3 weeks after transplantingYoung plants develop 4-6 true leaves and a small root system. Foliage is upright and feathery. Plant begins to harden off.
Acclimate seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Space transplants 6 inches apart. Ensure soil moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F).
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksLeaf crown expands with long celery-like foliage on leafy stems. Root begins enlarging underground but remains hidden. Plant height reaches 12-18 inches.
Maintain consistent watering and mulch around base. Provide balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Remove any yellowing outer leaves. Keep soil cool with shade cloth in hot regions.
Root Bulb Development
6-8 weeksUnderground root (hypocotyl) swells into a knobby, pale bulb 3-5 inches in diameter. Foliage continues growing but growth rate slows as energy diverts to root expansion.
Continue consistent watering. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. In late season, carefully remove outer soil to expose and clean the root surface. Do not hill soil over the root.
Maturity & Harvest
Varies; 100-130 days from seedRoot reaches full size (3-6 inches diameter depending on variety) with distinctive knobby appearance. Foliage may yellow slightly as plant matures. Root becomes dense and develops inner creamy texture.
Harvest when roots reach desired size. Can be left in ground in cool climates through fall. Trim foliage to 2 inches before storage. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Use row covers on young plants. Insecticidal soap or spinosad for severe infestations. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Apply row covers to young plants. Remove debris that harbors larvae.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Neem oil for persistent infestations.
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Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation with spacing and pruning. Apply copper fungicide. Water at soil level, not overhead.
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Use resistant varieties if available. Rotate crops. Solarize soil in severe cases. Add beneficial nematodes or marigolds.
Uses
Roasting & Mashing
CulinaryCeleriac has a creamy, tender texture when roasted or boiled that makes it excellent as a side dish or puree. It can be roasted with olive oil and herbs, mashed with potatoes, or made into a silky soup. [source]
Remoulade & Raw Preparations
CulinaryIn traditional European cuisine, thin-sliced raw celeriac is tossed with a mustard-vinegar dressing to make celeriac remoulade, a classic salad and side dish. It has a crunchy texture similar to celery when raw. [source]
Soups & Stocks
CulinaryCeleriac's mild celery flavor makes it ideal for creamy soups, pureed vegetable broths, and as a base aromatics ingredient. It adds depth and body without overwhelming other flavors. [source]
Nutritional Support
MedicinalCeleriac is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, supporting immune function and digestive health. It also contains phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Foliage & Greens
HouseholdThe celery-like leafy tops can be trimmed and used as a flavoring herb similar to celery leaf, added to soups, stocks, and stews for subtle celery notes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when roots reach 3-6 inches in diameter (about 100-130 days from seed). In mild climates, leave plants in ground and harvest as needed through fall and early winter. To harvest, carefully dig around the plant and lift with a garden fork. Cut foliage to 2 inches above root. Cure roots in cool (50-60°F), humid conditions for 1-2 weeks for better storage. Roots store 2-4 months in cool cellar or refrigerator wrapped in plastic.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Celeriac was developed from wild celery through selective breeding; the Romans used it medicinally over 2,000 years ago.
- 🌱 Despite its knobby, unappealing exterior, celeriac is prized in French, German, and Eastern European cuisines, where it's a staple root vegetable.
- 🌱 Celeriac seeds are extremely tiny (1/16 inch or smaller) and notoriously slow to germinate, making it one of the most challenging vegetables to start from seed.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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