How to Grow Celeriac (Celery Root) at Home (In Containers or Garden)

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a flavorful and versatile vegetable that adds a subtle mix of celery, parsley, and nuttiness to your dishes. Whether you’re enhancing soups, stews, or salads, celeriac is a nutritious addition packed with vitamins B6, C, K, and minerals like iron and phosphorus. Growing celeriac at home is a rewarding project that can be done in both containers and garden beds.

Growing Celeriac in Containers

Container:

• Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep with good drainage to ensure healthy root development.

Seed Starting:

• Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost.
• Keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample light to encourage strong seedling growth.

Transplanting:

• Once the seedlings are strong, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
• Transplant the hardened seedlings into your containers.

Soil & Fertilization:

• Use rich, well-draining soil.
• Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil before planting to provide essential nutrients.

Care:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
• Feed the plants with a liquid fertilizer every four weeks to support healthy growth.

Harvest:

• Celeriac is ready to harvest in 14-16 weeks, when the roots are 3-5 inches in diameter.
• A light frost can enhance the flavor of celeriac.

Storage:

• Trim the foliage and store the celeriac in a cool, humid place for several months.

Growing Celeriac in Garden Beds

Site:

• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
• Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.8 and 6.8.

Planting:

• Transplant seedlings 12-15 inches apart after the last frost.
• Space rows 18-24 inches apart to provide ample room for growth.

Watering & Mulching:

• Keep the soil consistently moist.
• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care:

• Feed the plants with an organic fertilizer.
• Keep the garden beds free of weeds to minimize competition for nutrients.

Harvest & Storage:

• Harvest the celeriac after 14-16 weeks.
• Store in a cool, humid place for several months.

Tips for Success

Companion Plants:

• Grow celeriac with tomatoes or spinach to deter pests naturally.

Succession Planting:

• Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Pest Management:

• Use row covers to protect the plants naturally from pests.

Growing celeriac is a rewarding project that adds flavor and nutrition to your meals. With patience and care, even beginners can enjoy a successful harvest.