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Celeriac

Apium graveolens var rapaceum

INTRODUCTION

Not the prettiest of vegetables but Celeriac makes up for it in the taste department.

Typically grown as a winter vegetable, Celeriac is highly versatile in the kitchen being excellent in stews, combined with potato, grated into salads or simply used on its own.

Although not a true root crop but a swollen stem, it is related to Celery but is far hardier and easier to grow with fewer problems. Celeriac is a slow to mature crop, so an early start preferably under glass is essential.

Soil Preparation

Celeriac is at its happiest when grown in an open sunny position. It requires a rich fertile, moisture-retentive and stone-free soil.

Ensure plenty of well-rotted manure is incorporated into the soil the previous autumn.

This crop will tolerate some shade and is a good subject for the slightly damper parts of the plot you may have.

Sowing & Planting

Celeriac is not the easiest seed to germinate and can be very erratic, so give it all the help you can.

Sow into modules under glass or in a propagator from March onwards.

Maintain a temperature of 15 - 20c.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, pot on into small pots and gradually harden off. 

During late spring/early summer, plant out at 30cm (12 inches) between the plants and rows. Plant firmly and water thoroughly. 

Do not plant too deeply, ensure the developing crown is not buried.

Growing & General Cultivation

Keep well-watered during hot weather, Celeriac will not tolerate drought conditions. Mulch the crop to help retain moisture.

Ensure the crop is kept weed-free and take care when hoeing not to damage the developing roots.

Celeriac will respond well to feeding. Feed at two-week intervals.

As the crop grows, remove side shoots and keep the roots earthed up to maintain a nice white crown.

During late autumn cover the crop with a layer of straw to protect against frost.

Pests & Diseases

Although easier to grow than Celery, Celeriac shares similar pests.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Carrot root fly can be a problem especially if grown near a Carrot crop. Carrot root fly lays its eggs on the plants and the larvae burrow into the roots. Cover growing crops with fine mesh or fleece.

Celery Leaf Miner can affect Celeriac in early summer and again during the autumn.

The symptoms will appear as blotchy mined leaves that are caused by the larvae. The foliage will become brown and papery and severe infestations can cause a serious check to plant development.

As there are no chemical remedies for the home gardener, remove damaged foliage by hand.

Harvesting

Start harvesting Celeriac as soon as large enough, generally from autumn onwards.

Lift with a fork and remove foliage.

The crop can be harvested throughout autumn and winter is best left in the ground until required.

Cover crop with straw or heavy-duty fleece to protect against frost.

If the growing site is needed for other purposes, the crop can be lifted and stored in moist peat in a frost-free shed or garage.

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