How to grow celeriac

More on growing celeriac:

• Vegetable seeds to sow in April
• Five crops to harvest in November
• Zero waste crops

How to sow celeriac seeds

Celeriac seeds can be hard to germinate. You may get a better germination rate by sowing seeds early with a heated propagator. Alternatively sow seed in mid spring and keep them under cloches or in an unheated greenhouse.

Sow celeriac seed into shallow drills in trays and cover with a fine layer of compost. Water lightly. Transplant seedlings them into individual pots when they're large enough to handle and keep protected until all risk of frosts has passed – a cold snap can cause celeriac plants to bolt prematurely, which means they won’t form the delicious roots.

Plant out the young plants in late spring, when they are 5-7cm tall. Space them 25-30cm apart in rows 30-45cm apart. Do not bury the crowns. Water well during dry periods or on lighter soils. To retain moisture it’s worth applying a bulky, organic mulch straight after planting, making sure it's kept clear of the swelling roots.

How to care for celeriac

Celeriac is a moisture-loving plant and requires a rich, moisture-retentive soil. Don't let the soil dry out. As the plants mature, remove the outer leaves to expose the crown of the root and allow it to develop.

Here, Monty describes how to look after celery and celeriac, and how to encourage large celeriac roots, ahead of harvesting:

Growing celeriac: problem solving

Celeriac is hardier and more disease resistant than celery. Young seedlings may be prone to slug attacks, so make sure they're protected.

Celery leaf miner or celery fly is the most common pest. These cause blisters on the leaves by tunnelling and can be dealt with by removing leaves and burning them. Protect plants by growing under a fine net.

How to harvest celeriac

Harvest celeriac roots from October to March – the longer they stay in the soil, the stronger the flavour. Use a fork to gently lift each root.

Monty Don grows both celery and its close relative celeriac in his veg garden at Longmeadow. By October, his celery is ready to harvest, but the celeriac needs another month or so. In this programme clip from Gardeners' World, Monty explains the conditions these plants need, and shows you how to help boost the size of your celeriac:

Cooking with celeriac

Peel and chop up the celeriac bulb and use it in soups and salads, or to flavour mashed and other potato dishes. The leaves have a much stronger flavour and can be used fresh in salads or dried to add celery-flavoured seasoning to many recipes.

Looking for inspiration on how to use your crop? Our friends at olive have curated a delicious collection of celeriac recipes, including a warming celeriac soup with chorizo oil.

Storing celeriac

You can leave the roots in the ground until you need them, including into autumn and winter.

Celeriac varieties to try

• Celeriac 'Prinz' – good flavour and less prone to bolting
• Celeriac 'Alabastor' – good flavour and less prone to bolting
• Celeriac 'Monarch' – RHS AGM, a smooth-skinned variety, which makes it easier to peel