How to grow Celeriac in Australia
Grow celeriac in full sun in rich, moisture-retentive soil, and give it a long season to swell the knobbly base. It is thirsty, so water often and never let it dry out.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 6 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 150 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | February to May | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | February to May | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | February to June | Extended cool-season window. Start earlier than SEQ. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | January to June | Long cool season ideal. Start Jan to Feb for best root development. |
| Adelaide & SA | August to November | Sow Aug to Nov and transplant 8 weeks later. Keep constantly moist; roots swell through autumn. Cold-checked seedlings bolt. |
| Perth & WA | August to October | Sow Aug to Oct and transplant 8 weeks later. Keep constantly moist through summer; roots swell in autumn. |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov, transplant by Dec. The long cool autumn grows excellent roots. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov, transplant by Dec. Long season root; harvest autumn into winter, frost improves flavour. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Needs long cool season. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Needs long cool season. |
Varieties
- Giant Prague
- Monarch
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Lift when the swollen base is the size of a large apple, with firm rounded shoulders showing. Loosen the soil, lift, then trim off the roots and tops.
Storage
Cool dark place for 2 to 3 months. Fridge for 2 weeks wrapped.