How to grow celeriac in a raised bed

Celeriac is celery's knobbly cousin, grown for its swollen root rather than stalks — a nutty, celery-flavoured winter vegetable that keeps for ages and is far easier than it looks.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 5–6 months

When should I plant celeriac?

Celeriac needs a long, cool, moist season — plant seedlings in spring for an autumn–winter harvest. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): February to April
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to January
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): Not really suited to this zone
• Arid inland: February to March

How do I grow celeriac in a raised bed?

Plant into very rich, moisture-holding mix. Like celery, its one demand is never to dry out — a drip system makes that easy. Strip a few lower leaves late in the season to help the root swell.

How often should I water and feed celeriac?

Keep the mix constantly moist and feed regularly — a dry celeriac stays small and woody.

What pests attack celeriac?

Keep an eye out for aphids and slugs and snails. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect celeriac?

The main ones are leaf spot and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with celeriac?

Grows happily near leeks and other alliums; a good winter keeper. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest celeriac?

Lift once the roots are apple-to-grapefruit sized. They store for months in a cool spot — peel away the knobbly skin before use.

More growing guides: celery, parsnips and carrots.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Jamain, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.