How to Grow Celeriac or ‘Turnip Rooted Celery’
This member of the Celery family has a large turnip-like root, which is the portion of the plants that is eaten. It is traditionally cooked and served like a beet.
The leaves of celeriac are hollow and bitter in flavor, and unfit for use as leafy greens or in salad.
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a variety of celery that is grown for its large, bulbous root rather than its stalks. This root vegetable has a mild, celery-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. If you’re looking to add something new to your vegetable garden this year, why not try growing celeriac? Here’s everything you need to know about how to grow celeriac successfully.
Planting celeriac
Celeriac is best planted in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. It can be started from seed, but many gardeners find it easier to purchase young plants from a nursery or garden center.
Celeriac thrives in a deep, rich, moist, free soil. It requires full sun but will tolerate slight shade.
Sow the seed in boxes or straight into garden rows and treat similarly to Celery. When planting celeriac, space the plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
Planting celeriac seeds outdoors
Transplanting of the young celeriac seedlings is essential to success. Plant the seedlings outdoors in rows on the flat (not in a trench like Celery), eighteen inches apart, allowing twelve inches between the plants in the rows.
Celeriac does not require ‘earthing up’ like the ordinary Celery, and the other cultivation necessary is to keep the ground free from weeds.
Celeriac requires consistent moisture to grow well. water the plants deeply and regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the plants will help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Harvesting Celeriac
Celeriac is ready to harvest when the roots are 3-4 inches in diameter. Carefully dig up the roots being careful not to damage them. Once harvested, store the roots in a cool, dark place. They will keep for several weeks this way.
Properly cooked and served, Celeriac is a first-class table vegetable, the sliced roots make a good salad and are also useful for flavoring soups. If necessary, liquid cow or stable manure, or Nitrate of Soda, may be given after transplanting as well as at intervals of from ten to twelve days whilst the crop is growing.
With its mild flavor and versatility, celeriac is a great addition to any vegetable garden. By following these simple tips on how to grow celeriac, you can enjoy fresh celery root all season long!
