Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi Everyone

Has anyone got any tips on growing celeriac I grew a good crop of celery this year but it all came at once I was thinking if I grew celeriac I could use it when needed and leave the rest in the ground without it going over

I would grateful for any help on this ?


Regards


Kevin

Hi Kevin, my tip would be start it early to get good sized roots and keep it moist through its life if you want it tender - not so easy if we get drought, water and mulch methinks. Sow iin February or March in seed trays or modules or in a cold frame in March and April ( but will not get so large) Prick out into modules of single seedlings. Gradually harden off before planting 30-35cm apart each way. You can remove some of the outer leaves in July to expose the crown.

I've grown celeriac Prinz and Monarch. Sown under glass in early April in 2" modules, a few seed to each module then thinned to one strong seedling. Grown on at the wetter end of the lotty. I pull off some of the lower straggly leaves as they grow. The final size wasn't quite so big as supermarket ones, but ranged from a bit bigger than a tennis ball, to pretty close to shop bought size.

I have to lift and store them or they seem to go black after frost. And once frosted, the Muntjac eat them (though interestingly, not before).

I have grown celeriac for many years, mainly Prinz but next year I am going to try a variety from Seeds of Italy (can't remember the name at the moment) because I saw this growing at RHS Harlow Carr and the roots were much larger than Prinz.

I usually sow them in heat about the beginning of March and plant them out under fleece before the last frost (beginning of June here). Like everyone else has said, celeriac needs a lot of watering and also good, rich soil. I harvest them as I need them and have certainly left them in the ground until very late in the year without problem, though this year they are already finished.

Always take off the bottom leaves as they mature so that at the end you are just left with the central tuft of leaves.

Was it Celariac De Veneto Monika ?

Yes, similar: Bianco del Veneto

I think I'll try the Seeds of Italy one next year. I try to grow a decent sized one every year and follow all the advice, but never get any larger than a tennis ball, and the majority are usually more like golf balls, but I live in hope!

I tried the seeds of italy cucumber marketer last year too, they were very productive, might try their celariac too.