Growing Celeriac

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S                
          T T          

(Best months for growing Celeriac in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 70°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 31 inches apart
  • Harvest in 14-28 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, brassicas, carrots, leeks, lettuce, peas, sage, tomatoes, onions
  • Young celeriac

A form of celery which has a swollen root and lower stem. Raise seeds in individual pots and plant out after last frost to give them plenty of time to develop a good root. Grow in a very fertile, rich soil. Water generously.

In cold climates start under glass in late winter/early spring.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Celeriac

Cook whole, scrubbed and peeled.
Or slice or dice.
Tastes like celery.
Good addition to mashed potato for extra flavour.

Your comments and tips

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17 May 21, Hazel (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted out celeriac from Mitre10 in Jan or early Feb. I've harvested 6 huge balls in the last 4 weeks and wish I had more. They have been very worthwhile, didn't take a lot of space, got good watering and their companions were runner beans, lettuce and silverbeet. My soils are quite light in coastal Oamaru. They have made a most delicious soup. I mashed the first of the harvest but found it a bit watery as a mash. If you are following a low carb or keto diet I think this veg would be very worthwhile.
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29 Nov 16, Walter (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown celeriac successfully at Caboolture and Morayfield. It needs a rich moist soil and some mulch around the plants. I strike them from seed in a pot with seed mix, just under the surface and keep moist. I sow them in April though I am not sure if it is the tight time. They take a long time to grow, being biennial. Never let them dry out though. And they do not like wet feet in the heat. Also, when the bulbs are big enough and start sprouting leaves, when big enough, they can be pulled off and replanted. The seeds can be good on the Net. Happy growing!
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15 Nov 16, Joy (Australia - temperate climate)
Where in Australia does celeriac grow in?
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18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Celeriac is in the same family as celery and parsley so will grow easily in a temperate climate. you will need to check sowing times.
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26 Oct 16, Jen Symmons (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I grow celeriac successfully in Brisbane? Who are the largest growers of celariac in Australia?
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17 Jun 16, Jayne (Australia - temperate climate)
I was sold celeriac seedlings in Ballarat at a market in May - having not tried growing it before I asked how long it would take to mature because we were going away in June up north for winter and was told they would be picked before we left! I was gullible because I have since read that they should be planted out in Nov - Dec not in the guts of winter and frosts! Oh well!!! Have left them in the ground will see whats happened when we return late Sept or early Oct!!
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26 Sep 16, Richard MacEwan (Australia - temperate climate)
We live near Bendigo. For years i have tried to grow Celeriac but unsuccessfully, first in Scotland and subsequently in Australia. The plants always ran to seed before forming a good root base. Last year i bought beautiful seedlings in June, planted them, they grew fantastically then bolted, I pulled them out. I tried growing from seed but direct sowing has never worked. Growing in a good seed mix did work but then the seedlings struggled and many failed in the ground. However my third attempt last year has resulted in some good sized celeriac which we are eating now. They are just showing signs of bolting though so are all getting lifted this week. They are very sensitive to drought so keep the plants well watered. Watch your plants for any signs of bolting and if they show them, rip them out and start again! I think now is a good time to start some in trays. I cannot find any seed yet this year but there are plants in the garden centres that i would not bother with - they are root bound and sure to bolt. Good luck. Celeriac is such a beautiful vegetable.
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25 Oct 16, Elayne GREAVES (Australia - temperate climate)
What do you mean by 'bolting'?? I am growing celerac in a pot successfully. Planted them in the middle of winter and they are now over 18 inches tall. (End October )
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29 Feb 24, Roz (Australia - temperate climate)
Bolting is when the plant starts flowering and seeding. If you notice the flowering, pull the plant out. Unless you want to try seed-saving. I don’t know about celeriac, but lettuce turns somewhat bitter when it bolts.
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08 Sep 15, CHARLES THENISCH (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been told to transplant celeriacs twice but I never had the opportunity to know at what stage of the growing of the plants I should transplant them. Can you let me know? Thanking you, Charles.
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Bolting is when the plant starts flowering and seeding. If you notice the flowering, pull the plant out. Unless you want to try seed-saving. I don’t know about celeriac, but lettuce turns somewhat bitter when it bolts.

- Roz

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