Celeriacs in Brighton
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
A slow-growing root crop for deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil. In the UK, sow directly outdoors in spring, keep plants evenly watered, and leave the roots in the ground for later lifting through winter where the soil stays workable.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Celeriac
Planting Calendar
Prepare the Bed
15 Jan – 12 FebWork the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 15th January - 12th February. Remove stones and any hard lumps, then mix in well-rotted compost. Avoid fresh manure, because it makes the roots fork.
Sow Seeds
29 Jan – 12 FebSow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 29th January - 12th February, then cover lightly and water the row well. Keep the soil moist while they germinate, and sow only when it has warmed enough for steady growth.
Protect from Root Fly
12 Feb – 12 FebFit insect-proof mesh over the row straight after sowing, from 12th February. Seal the edges well so adult flies cannot get in and lay eggs near the roots.
Thin Seedlings
26 Feb – 5 MarWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, from 26th February to 5th March, thin them carefully to one plant every . Water the row first so you disturb the roots as little as possible.
Harvest Roots
6 Aug – 5 DecLift roots from 6th August and keep harvesting through 5th December. Leave sound roots in the ground over winter if the soil drains well, then lift them as needed before they start to run down.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Celeriac.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Celeriac to consider
Monarch
A reliable selection with smooth, round roots and good standing power in the ground.
Asterix
Produces firm roots with a neat shape and steady performance in the vegetable patch.
Giant Prague
A long-established type that gives large, usable roots and is widely grown in Britain.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.