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 to plant: Celeriac needs a long, cool, moist season — plant seedlings in spring for an autumn–winter harvest. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing them 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.
Watering and feeding: Keep the mix constantly moist and feed regularly — a dry celeriac stays small and woody.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and slugs and snails. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
Companion plants: Grows happily near leeks and other alliums; a good winter keeper. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: 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 planting 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.
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