How to Grow Celeriac
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Celeriac needs a long, cool season, moisture-retentive fertile soil, and full sun. Start seeds early indoors (they’re slow), prick out promptly, and plant out after frost once well established. Keep soil consistently moist and feed little-and-often. As the swollen crown develops, remove lower leaves to improve shape and airflow. Harvest from autumn when bulbs are grapefruit-sized; flavour improves after light frosts. Store in a cool, damp medium or leave in the ground and lift as needed.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 15°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 9 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Liquid feed fortnightly during the growing season. Needs rich, moist soil.
- Needs a long growing season — start indoors in February. Keep well-watered — any drought check stunts the root.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–21°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 40 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Needs consistent moisture and space for the hypocotyl (the 'root') to swell.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Celery Leaf Miner
Identification: Brown blotchy mines within leaves where larvae tunnel, leaves become papery and brown
- Squash larvae within leaf mines by pressing between finger and thumb
- Remove and destroy badly affected leaves
- Cover with fine mesh to prevent adult flies laying eggs
- No effective chemical treatments once larvae are inside leaves
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in leaves, damage to the swelling root crown, slime trails
- Beer traps
- Nematode biological control
- Evening hand-picking
- Copper barriers around beds
- Ferric phosphate slug pellets
Pest Carrot Fly
Identification: Rusty brown tunnels in the root, wilting foliage, larvae are small creamy-white maggots
- Fine mesh barriers at least 60cm high around the crop
- Avoid thinning or bruising foliage which releases scent
- Companion plant with strong-smelling alliums
- Limited options for home gardeners
Disease Celery Leaf Spot Septoria apiicola
Symptoms: Small brown spots with dark borders on leaves, spots may merge causing leaves to die back
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected leaves, improve air circulation
Prevention: Use disease-free seed, avoid overhead watering, rotate crops on a 3-year cycle
Disease Crown Rot
Symptoms: Soft, brown, water-soaked decay at the crown of the root, foul smell, plant collapse
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants, do not compost
Prevention: Ensure good drainage, avoid damaging crowns when weeding, remove lower leaves carefully
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–21°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 12h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Celeriac?
- Plant Celeriac 30cm apart with 40cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Celeriac?
- Celeriac is ready to harvest approximately 130 days after transplanting.
- Is Celeriac frost hardy?
- Celeriac is classified as Hardy.
