Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Giant Prague Celeriac, also known as Celery Root, is a unique and versatile root vegetable known for its large, knobby roots with a distinctive flavor reminiscent of celery and parsley. This plant is actually just a variety of celery that has been selectively grown for its large and tasty roots rather than its classic stalks. Celeriac can be used in a myriad of ways, from creamy mashes to enriching soups and stews, crunchy salad additions, or roasted delights. Planted in spring for fall harvest, it thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, that prefers regular watering for optimal growth. A sought-after choice for its size, flavor, and culinary adaptability, Giant Prague Celeriac is a great addition to both gardens and home kitchens.
NAME: Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum)
VARIETY: Giant Prague
DAYS TO MATURITY: 110 – 120 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Biennial
STATIFICATION: Not required
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Fertile, moist soils with a pH 6.0 – 7.5
SPACING: 12 – 24 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 8 – 12 inches
TEMP: 60 – 75ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Sow 2 to 4 seeds 1/4 inch deep in small pots with seed starting soil mix 8 to 12 weeks before your last local frost
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and the seeds should germinate within 3 weeks, but be patient as celeriac germination can be erratic and slow
When they get to be a few inches tall, you can begin to harden off the seedlings. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night. Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process; harden off plants daily for about 1 week before transplanting outside
Once hardened off and they have their first 2 true leaves, transplant the seedlings into your prepared garden beds
Plant 8 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart and immediately water in
Starting celeriac seeds outdoors is not recommended due to their slow germination and susceptibility to temperature fluctuations, which can lead to poor seedling establishment.
If you choose to sow seeds outdoors, wait until after the last frost date and when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F (15°C).
Prepare a well-drained, fertile bed with plenty of organic matter.
Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, which may take up to 3-4 weeks.
Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they have developed true leaves.
Mulching around the plant is ideal for water retention and weed suppression
When watering, water at the base of the plant and avoid getting the foliage wet as this can cause fungal disease
Celeriac loves fertile soil and may require a balanced fertilizer or additional compost to be added during its growth cycle
Harvest plants once they get to be 3-4 inches in diameter
Trim the foliage off before storing the root in a cool, humid place
This unique root has a strong flavor similar to a turnip but with a hint of celery-like freshness that is best when paired with other strong flavored root vegetables like carrots or beets
Giant Prague Celeriac is typically ready for harvest 90-120 days after transplanting.
Harvest the roots when they have reached a mature size of 3-4 inches in diameter.
Use a garden fork or trowel to carefully loosen the soil around the roots and lift them from the ground.
Trim off the foliage and wash the roots thoroughly before storing or using them in culinary preparations.
Stored celeriac will keep for several months in a cool, dark, and humid environment.
