How to Grow Celeriac Alabaster
Celeriac Alabaster
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
vegetableCeleriac Alabaster is a white-rooted celery cultivar prized for its large, smooth, pale bulbous roots and mild celery flavor. It's a cool-season crop that develops an underground globe-like root rather than the stalks characteristic of standard celery. The variety is known for its excellent storage quality and culinary versatility in European cuisine.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; grows best in cooler climates with moderate temperatures
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Growth Stages
Seedling
8-10 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge 2-3 weeks after sowing. Plants develop slowly at first.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and maintain 60-70°F. Thin to strongest seedlings. Start indoors in winter for spring transplant.
Establishment
3-4 weeks after transplantYoung transplants develop 4-6 true leaves with a small leafy crown above soil. Root development begins but remains shallow.
Harden off seedlings before transplanting. Plant in garden 8-10 weeks before expected frost. Water regularly and apply 1-2 inches of mulch. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer.
Vegetative/Bulbing
6-8 weeksLeafy crown expands to 12-18 inches tall while underground roots begin to swell and form the white bulb. Roots become increasingly globe-shaped.
Keep soil consistently moist; never allow to dry out completely. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Remove any small side roots to encourage main bulb growth. Maintain consistent temperatures; stress causes forking.
Bulb Development
4-6 weeksThe white root ball swells to 4-6 inches diameter. The smooth, cream-colored skin develops characteristic Alabaster appearance. Leaf crown remains green and vigorous.
Maintain even watering; avoid temperature fluctuations. As bulb enlarges near soil surface, carefully remove surrounding soil without damaging the root. Keep foliar foliage healthy—it feeds the bulb. Stop nitrogen feeding 4 weeks before harvest.
Harvest Ready
Ready from 110-130 days onwardBulbs reach 4-6 inches in diameter with clean, white, smooth skin. Roots feel firm when squeezed gently. Leafy tops are full-sized but may show minor yellowing.
Monitor bulb size by gently uncovering soil around the crown. Harvest before hard frost (roots can tolerate light frost but quality declines). Harvest by loosening soil and pulling entire plant. Allow to cure 1-2 weeks in cool location before storage.
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use row covers early season; spinosad or neem oil spray for severe infestations
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No cure; prevent with certified disease-free seed, control aphids with insecticidal soap, remove infected plants immediately
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Improve air circulation; remove lower infected leaves; apply copper fungicide weekly starting at first sign; mulch to prevent soil splash
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Spray with strong water stream; use row covers; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps or copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around plants
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Use row covers; practice crop rotation; remove affected plants; may confuse with cilantro or parsnip plantings
Uses
Root Vegetable Cooking
CulinaryCeleriac Alabaster is prized for its mild, sweet celery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. It's popular in European cuisine for purées, soups (especially vichyssoise), roasted preparations, and as a substitute for potatoes in mashed dishes. [source]
Fresh and Raw Uses
CulinaryThe white bulb can be sliced thin and served raw in salads, slaws, or crudités with dips, offering a crisp, delicate celery flavor. The leafy green tops are edible and can be used like parsley or celery leaves in stocks and garnishes. [source]
Digestive and Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalCeleriac contains compounds like 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) and various antioxidants traditionally used to support digestion and reduce inflammation. It has been used in European folk medicine as a mild diuretic and to support joint health. [source]
Winter Storage and Preservation
HouseholdCeleriac Alabaster's excellent storage longevity (3-4 months in cool conditions) makes it valuable for winter food security. Roots can also be frozen (blanched) or made into preserved stocks and broths. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf any celeriac plants bolt and flower (rare in harvest conditions), the small white flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [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 bulbs reach 4-6 inches diameter (approximately 110-130 days from transplant). Cut tops just above the root crown using a sharp knife. Gently loosen soil and pull entire plant, shaking off excess soil. For storage, leave roots and tops attached initially; cure in a cool (45-50°F), humid location for 1-2 weeks before trimming. Store roots in plastic bags or containers in high-humidity conditions at 32-40°F for up to 3-4 months. Roots become sweeter after a light frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Celeriac Alabaster was developed in France and is sometimes called 'celery root' or 'celery knob.' It has been cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages and is a staple in French, German, and Scandinavian cuisines.
- 🌱 Unlike standard celery which is grown for its stalks, celeriac is grown specifically for its swollen root—an adaptation that makes it more cold-hardy and stores far longer than leafy celery varieties.
- 🌱 The white, smooth skin of Alabaster distinguishes it from other celeriac varieties (which may have rougher, browner exteriors). The pure white color and smooth texture make it prized by European chefs and gardeners for its aesthetic appeal in the kitchen.
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