When to plant Celeriac in the UK

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
Sow indoors March, harvest September to December.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYes

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    mid-April to early May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Work the soil deeply and break it down to a fine tilth around mid-April to early 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

    early March to late March UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around early March to late 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

    late March to late April UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from late March to late 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

    mid-May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Harden plants off for 7 to 10 days, then plant out around mid-May to late 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

    late September to mid-December UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift roots from late September and keep harvesting through mid-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.