Growing and Sowing Celeriac

Celeriac, also known as celery root and turnip-rooted celery, belongs to the Umbelliferae family. Often the bulbs remain a bit smaller when growing your own, but the taste is much more intense. Celeriac requires little care, so if you have some space left in the vegetable garden, it's definitely worth a try. Moreover, harvesting can start in October. So you still have fresh vegetables from your own garden in the fall.

Growing your own celeriac from seeds

Celeriac is best known from pea soup. Not really a pretty vegetable, with its yellowish colour and brown spots, but the taste more than makes up for this. It is a true autumn vegetable and needs a fairly long growing period to form thick roots or bulbs. With our tips, you should definitely succeed in growing these bulbs.

Sowing and planting celeriac

Celeriac takes a long time to grow and form bulbs. It is therefore important to start pre-sowing in time. Sow from mid-February to about April, in pots in a warm place indoors. This also prevents bolting. Because the seed germinates slowly, it can be useful to let the seed pre-germinate. This can be done, for example, by mixing the seeds with sand, placing them in a warm place in the living room and keeping them moist. After a few days, a root will develop and the seed can be sown in a pot with soil. From mid-May, after ice saints and when the risk of frost has disappeared, the plants can be planted out in the garden. Let them harden off for a few days first. Keep a planting distance of 50 x 40 cm.

Position and soil

Celeriac prefers a spot in the sun or partial shade. The soil must be well moisturized and rich in nutrients. The best is heavy soil; Lighter soil types are also possible, make sure that enough humus has been added.

How to care for your celeriac plants

Make sure that sufficient nutrients remain in the soil during growth by, for example, adding compost or organic fertilizers. Even after a lot of rain, fertilization may be necessary. The soil should not dry out, so regular watering is important. Especially during the warmer months.

When and how to harvest celeriac?

Harvest celeriac can take place from October. But the later, the better. The bulb can become a little thicker. Since celeriac cannot withstand frost, it is important to harvest before night frost is predicted.

How to preserve celeriac

Celeriac can be kept in a cool, dry, dark place for about 3 weeks. A cut bulb, wrapped in foil, can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week. Celeriac can also be frozen, but blanch first.

Is celeriac healthy?

Celeriac is very healthy. It contains relatively few calories and a lot of vitamin C, potassium, calcium and vitamin K. The leaves are also edible and healthy. Celeriac can be used as a substitute for potatoes, for example as a puree.

Celeriac in our collection

Our range includes the 'Dolvi' variety. This is an improved version and is more resistant to diseases.

Tips to grow celeriac

• Start pre-sowing indoors early to get the longest growing season possible. This increases the chance that the bulbs will grow larger.
• Make sure the plants have enough nutrients and water.