Botanical profile

Celeriac

Latin name
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Common name
Celeriac
Type
Annual or biennial root vegetable
Family
Apiaceae

Celeriac is a flavorful and versatile root vegetable, prized for its large, round root with white, firm, and fragrant flesh. Its taste is reminiscent of celery, with a sweeter, slightly nutty, and very aromatic flavor. It is excellent mashed, in soup, au gratin, roasted, grated in a remoulade, added to stews, or used to add depth to broths and autumn dishes.

Easy to incorporate into the vegetable garden, celeriac prefers a sunny to slightly semi-shaded location, in rich, deep, cool, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering, as constant moisture promotes good root development and helps achieve a tenderer texture. Its growth is slower than many leafy vegetables, but it rewards patience with a generous, durable, and very useful harvest in the kitchen.

Highly valued for its preservation and great culinary value, celeriac is an excellent choice for gourmet and productive vegetable gardens. Its cut green foliage also adds texture to the garden, while its root is harvested when it is well-formed. It is an original, nutritious, and flavorful vegetable, perfect for gardeners who wish to cultivate different, versatile crops ideal for home cooking.

Care guide

Care level
Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Round, edible root with a delicate celery flavor
Vegetable garden, edible garden, row cropping, autumn cooking
Container growing
Pot culture possible in a deep, wide container
Seasonal care
Harvest before hard frosts; maintain regular watering for a tender and well-formed root
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average to high humidity; prefers cool, rich soil
Fertilization
Compost at planting; regular and balanced fertilization during growth
Soil type
Fertile, deep soil, rich in organic matter, cool and well-drained
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
32 °F
Propagation method
Sowing
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer so bloomed
Flower color
Greenish white
Fruiting
Edible round root
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Leafy, upright habit with a swollen taproot
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Cabbages, leeks, tomatoes, lettuces
Plants to avoid
Carrots, parsnips
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Late Summer to Autumn Roots
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.