Celeriacs in Forsinard

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 Forsinard · last frost ≈ 9 Jun

Sow May to June, harvest August to December. Frost risk August to June.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Celeriac

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    12 May to 9 Jun

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 12th May - 9th June. 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

    26 May to 9 Jun

    Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 26th May - 9th June, 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

    9 Jun to 9 Jun

    Fit insect-proof mesh over the row straight after sowing, from 9th June. Seal the edges well so adult flies cannot get in and lay eggs near the roots.

  4. 04

    Thin Seedlings

    23 Jun to 30 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 23rd June to 30th 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

    22 Aug to 1 Dec

    Lift roots from 22nd August and keep harvesting through 1st 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.

Celeriac guides by town

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