When to plant Celeriac in Leeds

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 under cover, plant out after frost risk has passed, and keep plants evenly watered. Lift roots from autumn onwards, leaving sound roots in the ground into winter where the soil stays workable.

40 cm · Full Sun · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Leeds · last frost ≈ 24 Apr

Sow indoors February to March, harvest September to December. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    10 Apr to 1 May

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 10th April - 1st 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 Indoors

    22 Feb to 13 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 22nd February - 13th March and cover with a light dusting of vermiculite. Keep them at in bright light and keep the compost evenly moist.

  3. 03

    Prick Out Seedlings

    15 Mar to 17 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 15th March - 17th April into individual small pots or modules. Handle them by the leaves and keep the young plants in bright light with evenly moist compost.

  4. 04

    Harden Off and Plant Out

    8 May to 22 May

    Harden plants off for 7 to 10 days, then plant out around 8th May - 22nd May after frost risk has passed. Space plants apart with the crown at soil level. Water in thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist.

  5. 05

    Harvest Roots

    13 Sept to 4 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift roots from 13th September and keep harvesting through 4th 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.

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.