Monarch
A reliable selection with smooth, round roots and good standing power in the ground.
When to plant Celeriac in London
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
Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Prepare the Bed
21 Mar to 11 AprWork the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 21st March - 11th April. Remove stones and any hard lumps, then mix in well-rotted compost. Avoid fresh manure, because it makes the roots fork.
02
Sow Seeds Indoors
2 Feb to 21 FebSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 2nd February - 21st February and cover with a light dusting of vermiculite. Keep them at in bright light and keep the compost evenly moist.
03
Prick Out Seedlings
23 Feb to 28 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 23rd February - 28th March into individual small pots or modules. Handle them by the leaves and keep the young plants in bright light with evenly moist compost.
04
Harden Off and Plant Out
18 Apr to 2 MayHarden plants off for 7 to 10 days, then plant out around 18th April - 2nd May after frost risk has passed. Space plants apart with the crown at soil level. Water in thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist.
05
Harvest Roots
24 Aug to 14 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift roots from 24th August and keep harvesting through 14th November. 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
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.
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Calabrese
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to August. Frost risk November to April.
Celeriac guides by town
See how Celeriac timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.