When to plant Celeriac in Sheffield

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 Sheffield · last frost ≈ 23 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

    9 Apr to 30 Apr

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around 9th April - 30th 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

    21 Feb to 12 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 21st February - 12th 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

    14 Mar to 16 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 14th March - 16th 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

    7 May to 21 May

    Harden plants off for 7 to 10 days, then plant out around 7th May - 21st 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

    12 Sept to 3 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift roots from 12th September and keep harvesting through 3rd 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.