GROWING GUIDE - CELERIAC
Looking to grow beautiful, healthy celeriac in your garden? This guide covers soil prep, watering, pest and disease tips, plus when to harvest and how to store your crop.
QUICK FACTS
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
Harvest: When roots reach 3–5 in. in diameter
CELERIAC PLANTING & CARE
Also known as turnip-rooted celery, celeriac is closely related to celery but grown for its edible root (bulb). It has a mild celery flavour and works well in soups, stews, purées, and raw salads.
One of its best features is storage, when handled properly, celeriac can keep for months.
PLANTING
- Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil.
- Maintain a soil pH of 6.0–7.0 for best growth.
- Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention.
- Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season, avoid drying out.
- Keep the planting area weed-free with mulch or careful cultivation.
- As the root develops, lightly hill soil around the base to help support the plant.
CARE TIPS
Watering: Celeriac performs best with steady, even moisture. Irregular watering can reduce root quality.
Pest control: Celeriac is generally low-maintenance, but aphids may appear. Use row covers early in the season or treat with an approved insecticidal soap or organic control if needed.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Blackheart: Shows as dark tissue near the crown. Help prevent it by maintaining even moisture and ensuring adequate calcium.
Celery mosaic virus: Causes yellowing, mottling, and distorted leaves. Reduce risk by controlling aphids (the main vector).
Leaf blights: Rotate crops yearly and avoid planting celeriac (and other celery-family crops) in the same spot each season.
HARVESTING & STORAGE
- Harvest when roots are 3–5 in. in diameter.
- Flavour improves after a light frost, but harvest before a hard freeze.
- Trim tops to about 1 in. above the bulb and remove small roots.
- Store cold (0.5–3.3°C) with high humidity (95–98%) for best keeping quality.
- Properly stored celeriac can remain fresh for 6–8 months.
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