How to grow celeriac
Overview
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a root vegetable grown for its swollen, knobby root that offers a mild celery-parsley flavor. It stores exceptionally well and requires consistent moisture and rich, well-drained soil to produce tender, sweet roots.
Varieties
- Prinz — Smooth-skinned variety that is easy to peel and resistant to bolting, ideal for Australian gardens.
- Giant Prague — Traditional large-rooted variety with excellent flavour and storage ability, widely available in Australia.
- Brilliant — White-fleshed, tender and mild, with good resistance to leaf spot and splitting.
Soil Preparation
Prepare soil with deep digging and incorporate well-rotted manure or compost. Ideal pH is 6.0-6.8. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot; heavy clay soils should be improved with organic matter.
Growing Guide
Sow seeds 3mm deep in a seed tray or direct in garden after frost risk passes. Space seedlings 30cm apart in rows 45cm apart in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Keep soil consistently moist; mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove lower leaves as the root swells to expose the crown and prevent side rooting. Celeriac needs a long, cool growing season—avoid heat stress which causes bolting and tough roots.
Sowing
Sow seeds 3mm deep in seed trays or directly into the garden. Germination takes 14-21 days at 15-20°C. Keep seedbed consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 25-30cm apart when they have 3-4 true leaves.
Care
Feed celeriac monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth. Mulch heavily to maintain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove outer leaves as the root develops to expose the crown and prevent side roots forming.
Companion Planting
Celeriac grows well with brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) and leeks, which share similar soil and water needs. Avoid planting near other Apiaceae family members such as celery, parsnips, or carrots to reduce pest and disease pressure.
Common Pests & Risks
Aphids and celery leaf miner are common in Australian gardens. Remove leaf miner blotches promptly and use insecticidal soap for aphids. Slugs and snails also attack young plants; control with iron phosphate baits or hand picking.
Harvesting
Harvest celeriac when the root reaches 8-10cm in diameter, typically 120-150 days after sowing. Lift with a garden fork on a dry day, trim off leaves, and store in a cool, dark place or fridge for up to several months.
In the Kitchen
Celeriac is eaten raw in salads or coleslaw, and cooked in soups, stews, and mash. Peeled roots should be dipped in acidulated water to prevent browning. Store roots in a cool, dark place (fridge or cellar) for up to several months.
Troubleshooting
Tough, fibrous roots: caused by inconsistent watering or poor soil; water regularly and enrich soil. Split roots: result of uneven moisture; maintain steady watering. Bolting (running to seed): triggered by heat or drought; plant in cool season and mulch. Leaf yellowing: nitrogen deficiency or overwatering; apply balanced fertiliser and check drainage. Leaf miner tunnels: remove affected leaves; use floating row cover in spring.