When to plant Celeriac in Edinburgh

Apium graveolens var. rapaceum

Celeriac
Celeriac · 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.

40 cm · Full Sun · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Edinburgh · last frost ≈ 4 May

Sow outdoors April to May, harvest November to January. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    6 Apr to 4 May

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 6th April - 4th May. Remove stones and any hard lumps, then mix in well-rotted compost. Avoid fresh manure, because it makes the roots fork.

  2. 02

    Sow Seeds

    20 Apr to 4 May

    Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 20th April - 4th May, 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.

  3. 03

    Protect from Root Fly

    4 May

    Fit insect-proof mesh over the row straight after sowing, from 4th May. Seal the edges well so adult flies cannot get in and lay eggs near the roots.

  4. 04

    Thin Seedlings

    11 May to 1 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 11th May to 1st June, thin them carefully to one plant every . Water the row first so you disturb the roots as little as possible.

  5. 05

    Harvest Roots

    9 Nov to 25 Jan 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift roots from 9th November and keep harvesting through 25th January 2028. 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.

Celeriac guides by town

See how Celeriac timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.