How to Grow Celeriac President

Celeriac President

Apium graveolens var. rapaceum

vegetable

Celeriac President is a celery root cultivar prized for its large, smooth, knob-like underground bulbs with a mild celery-parsnip flavor. The variety produces reliable, round roots that are excellent for storage and culinary use. It's a cool-season crop that develops best in moderate temperatures with consistent moisture.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates

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Water: Consistently moist soil; requires 1-1.5 inches weekly. Avoid drought stress and waterlogging. Even moisture is critical for smooth root development and preventing cracking.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep; seeds need light to germinate. Transplant seedlings when 2-3 inches tall.

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Well-rotted manure Peat moss or coco coir Balanced organic fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-8; grown as summer crop in cooler regions and fall crop in warmer climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seed Germination & Seedling

3-4 weeks

Seeds germinate slowly (14-21 days) and need consistent warmth (70-75°F) and moisture. Seedlings develop thin stems with small feathery leaves.

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before transplanting.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks after transplanting

Young plants develop leafy green foliage above ground while the root bulb begins forming underground. Leaves are celery-like with a darker green color.

Thin seedlings to proper spacing early. Apply consistent, even moisture. Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any flower stalks that appear.

Root Development

6-8 weeks

The knobby underground bulb enlarges significantly. Aboveground foliage continues to grow but growth slows as energy is directed to root development. The root becomes increasingly smooth and round.

Maintain consistent soil moisture—this is the critical period for preventing root cracking. Keep soil consistently cool through mulching. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excess leaf growth.

Bulb Maturation & Harvest Readiness

2-4 weeks before harvest

The bulb reaches full size (4-5 inches diameter), becomes smooth and pale brown, and the root system is well-developed. Aboveground foliage may begin to yellow slightly.

Reduce watering frequency slightly but keep soil consistently moist. Check root size by carefully uncovering the top of the bulb. Harvest when roots reach desired size, or before hard frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beet Borage Carrot Dill Fennel Garlic Leek Onion Parsley Spinach

Avoid planting near:

Cilantro Corn Parsnip Parsley Tomato Asters

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves promptly. Use floating row covers during spring when flies are active. Spinosad spray for severe infestations.
Remove affected foliage. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Avoid overhead watering. Copper fungicide for severe cases.
and
Remove plant debris. Hand-pick in early morning. Beer traps or copper barriers. Spinosad if infestation is severe.
Use floating row covers. Remove and destroy affected roots. Companion plant with onion or garlic.
Spray with strong water stream. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil for heavy infestations.

Uses

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Roasting & Braising

Culinary

Celeriac President's large, smooth bulbs are ideal for roasting, braising, and stewing. The mild celery-parsnip flavor makes it perfect for European and Mediterranean dishes, soups, and gratins. [source]

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Raw Salads & Slaws

Culinary

The bulb can be peeled and grated raw for slaws or julienned for salads. It has a crisp texture and subtle celery flavor that pairs well with mustard dressings. [source]

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Purees & Soups

Culinary

Celeriac makes creamy, flavorful purees and stocks. It's a key ingredient in classic French celery root soup and pairs well with potatoes and cream. [source]

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Long-Term Storage

Household

President variety's large bulbs and excellent storage capability make it ideal for winter storage. Properly stored celeriac remains usable for 4-6 months, reducing need for frequent harvesting. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Celeriac root has been used in traditional medicine to support digestion and contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [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 3-5 inches in diameter, typically 120-150 days after transplanting. Gently uncover the bulb top to check size before pulling. In cool climates, can be left in ground under heavy mulch and harvested through fall. Cut foliage at soil level and trim rootlets. Store in cool (50-55°F), humid location; celeriac keeps 4-6 months in ideal storage conditions.

Fun Facts

🌱 Celeriac is actually the same species as celery (Apium graveolens) but bred for the swollen root rather than leaf stalks—it's essentially celery's underground cousin.
🌱 The variety 'President' is a classic French cultivar known for producing exceptionally large, smooth, disease-resistant bulbs that can weigh 1-2 pounds each.
🌱 Despite being relatively unknown in North America, celeriac is a staple vegetable in European cuisine, especially in Scandinavian and French cooking where 'Celeri Remoulade' (shredded celeriac in creamy mustard sauce) is iconic.

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