How Do You Plant Celery Root?
You plant celery root by sowing seeds indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost date, then transplanting the seedlings outdoors once the soil warms up.
Celery root, also known as celeriac, isn’t grown for its stalks like regular celery.
Instead, you grow it for its large, knobby root that has a subtle celery flavor and a smooth, potato-like texture when cooked.
If you’ve ever wondered how do you plant celery root and end up with those big, round bulbs instead of skinny little roots, the answer comes down to timing, soil, and a bit of patience.
Celery root is a slow grower, so getting a head start indoors is key.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how do you plant celery root from seed to harvest, including the soil it loves, the spacing it needs, and the care it takes to plump up those roots.
Let’s dig in.
How Do You Plant Celery Root from Seed?
Learning how do you plant celery root starts with the seed, and celeriac seeds are tiny, so a little care goes a long way.
Here’s how to get them started the right way.
1. Start Seeds Indoors Early
Celery root needs a long growing season, usually around 100 to 120 days, so you plant celery root seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last expected frost.
Sow the seeds just barely covered with soil, since they need light to germinate.
Keep the soil moist and the temperature around 70°F, and you’ll see sprouts in two to three weeks.
2. Use a Rich Seed-Starting Mix
When you plant celery root seeds, use a light, fertile seed-starting mix rather than heavy garden soil.
Celeriac seedlings are delicate, and a fine mix helps their tiny roots take hold without struggle.
Moisten the mix before sowing so you don’t wash the seeds away when you water.
3. Keep Seedlings Warm and Bright
After your celery root seeds sprout, give them plenty of light, at least 12 to 14 hours a day, to keep them from getting leggy.
Keep them at around 60 to 70°F, and water gently to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.
Healthy seedlings are the first step in how do you plant celery root successfully.
How Do You Plant Celery Root in the Garden?
Once the danger of frost has passed and your seedlings are sturdy, it’s time to move them outside, and how do you plant celery root at this stage really shapes the final harvest.
1. Harden Off Before Transplanting
Before you plant celery root seedlings in the ground, harden them off over a week or so.
Set them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time in the sun and wind.
This reduces shock and helps them settle into the garden faster.
2. Choose a Sunny Spot with Rich Soil
When you plant celery root, pick a spot with full sun and loose, fertile soil that drains well.
Work in plenty of compost before planting, because celeriac is a heavy feeder and loves organic matter.
Good soil is the secret behind how do you plant celery root so the bulbs grow large and smooth.
3. Space Plants Properly
To plant celery root correctly, space the seedlings about 8 to 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.
Crowding leads to small roots, so give each plant room to spread its leaves and swell its bulb.
Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots.
4. Water Consistently
After you plant celery root, keep the soil evenly moist, never soggy and never bone dry.
Celeriac dislikes drought, and inconsistent watering can cause the roots to crack.
A layer of mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the soil cool.
Caring for Celery Root After You Plant It
Knowing how do you plant celery root is only half the battle, because the care that follows decides how big those bulbs get.
1. Feed Regularly
Once you plant celery root, feed it every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Celeriac is a hungry crop, and steady nutrients keep the bulbs growing instead of stalling.
2. Prune Outer Stalks
As the plants grow, you can snip off the outer stalks to direct energy into the root.
This is a simple trick that helps when you plant celery root for bigger, denser bulbs.
3. Remove Side Shoots
You can also remove small side shoots around the base so the main root swells evenly.
When you plant celery root, keep an eye out for these shoots and pinch them off as they appear.
4. Watch for Pests and Disease
After you plant celery root, watch for aphids, slugs, and leaf spots.
Good airflow and consistent watering go a long way in keeping problems away.
How Do You Plant Celery Root for Harvest?
The final part of how do you plant celery root is knowing when and how to pull those bulbs.
1. Harvest After Frost
Celery root tastes best after a light frost, which sweetens the bulbs.
When you plant celery root, plan to harvest in late fall once the roots reach 3 to 4 inches across.
2. Loosen the Soil First
To harvest, loosen the soil around the bulb with a fork, then lift it gently by the base.
When you plant celery root, careful lifting prevents nicks that lead to rot in storage.
3. Trim and Store
Cut the leaves off about an inch above the crown, then store the bulbs in a cool, humid place.
Once you plant celery root, you can keep the harvest for months in a root cellar or fridge.
So, How Do You Plant Celery Root?
You plant celery root by starting seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before frost, transplanting into rich, sunny soil, and keeping the plants well watered and fed.
Learning how do you plant celery root really comes down to patience, since this slow grower rewards you with big, flavorful bulbs.
The timing of when you plant celery root, the care you give after you plant celery root, and a little frost at the end all come together.
Now that you know how do you plant celery root, you’re ready to grow your own.