Celeriac
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Also known as
Celery Root
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
H7-H3
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
20cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Celeriac Overview
As a large globular, knobby and dull-coloured root that has a pronounced celery-like taste, the Giant of Prague is used and enjoyed throughout the culinary world for its great taste rather than for its looks. Celeriac is crisp, smooth, mild and has a delicious taste, a root of exquisite flavour and texture. Poorly known outside of Europe, this is a vegetable that is both tasteful and also has various health benefits, and is a great addition to any vegetable garden.
Common problems with Celeriac
Pests include leafhoppers, whiteflies, leafminers, carrot and celery flies, and Rhizoctonia solani.
Celeriac Companion Plants
How to harvest Celeriac
Celeriac is a slow growing vegetable that takes 5 - 6 months from sowing to harvest. Harvest small to medium sized celeriac roots for best flavour and texture. Begin as soon as the root ball reaches about 5cm. They will grow to about 10cm in diameter. Celeriac can be stored after harvest, but the best roots are from plants which have been freshly dug up. If your soil is free draining, leave them in the ground and harvest as required.
How to propagate Celeriac
Seed
Sow in Summer months. Celeriac is slow to germinate (2 to 3 weeks) and slow to get growing. Soaking seeds in water may aid germination.
Special features of Celeriac
Crop rotation
Heavy Feeder
Other uses of Celeriac
Medicinal
Used in traditional medicine. It contains fair amounts of vitamins and folic acid and can be used in digestive medicines.
Edible
Use root either boiled, mashed, cubed into stews, roasted, fried, grated or dried and made into a powder known as celery salt.
Edibles to Sow Under Cover in February.
Get an early start on the growing year, try these on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator
