When to plant Celeriac in Manchester

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 Manchester · average last frost around 17 Apr

Sow indoors February to March, harvest September to November. Typical frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    3 Apr to 24 Apr

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 3rd April - 24th April. 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

    15 Feb to 6 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 15th February - 6th 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

    8 Mar to 10 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 8th March - 10th 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

    1 May to 15 May

    Harden plants off for 7 to 10 days, then plant out around 1st May - 15th 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

    6 Sept to 27 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift roots from 6th September and keep harvesting through 27th 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

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.