Celeriacs in Old Town

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 Old Town · last frost ≈ 16 Feb

Sow February, harvest August to December. Frost risk December to February.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Celeriac

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    19 Jan to 16 Feb

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 19th January - 16th February. 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

    2 Feb to 16 Feb

    Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 2nd February - 16th February, 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

    16 Feb to 16 Feb

    Fit insect-proof mesh over the row straight after sowing, from 16th February. Seal the edges well so adult flies cannot get in and lay eggs near the roots.

  4. 04

    Thin Seedlings

    2 Mar to 9 Mar

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 2nd March to 9th March, thin them carefully to one plant every . Water the row first so you disturb the roots as little as possible.

  5. 05

    Harvest Roots

    10 Aug to 10 Dec

    Lift roots from 10th August and keep harvesting through 10th 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.