You grow celery root by planting it in cool weather and giving it a long, steady growing season.
Celery root, also known as celeriac, is a close relative of stalk celery, but instead of harvesting crunchy stems, you grow it for its large, knobby root.
If you’ve ever wondered how do you grow celery root from seed to harvest, the answer is simpler than you might think, as long as you get the timing and soil right.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow celery root step by step, from starting seeds indoors to pulling those earthy bulbs out of the ground.
How Do You Grow Celery Root: The Basics
Growing celery root starts with understanding what this plant actually needs.
Unlike stalk celery, which you grow for its crisp green stems, you grow celery root for the swollen hypocotyl that forms just below the soil surface.
That means the conditions that help you grow celery root successfully are all about keeping the plant happy and unstressed for a long stretch of time.
Here’s what you need to know before you grow celery root in your own garden.
1. Start Seeds Indoors Early
When you grow celery root, patience is everything because these plants need a long growing season.
You should start celery root seeds indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before your last expected frost date.
The seeds are tiny, so scatter them on the surface of a seed-starting mix and barely cover them with soil.
Celery root seeds need light to germinate, so don’t bury them deep.
Keep the soil consistently moist and the temperature around 70°F, and you’ll see sprouts in two to three weeks.
2. Harden Off Before Transplanting
Once your seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, you can begin hardening them off.
This step matters when you grow celery root because the plants are sensitive to sudden temperature swings.
Set them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outdoors over a week or two.
By the time you transplant, your celery root seedlings should be sturdy and ready for the garden.
How to Grow Celery Root in the Garden
Once your seedlings are ready, it’s time to get them in the ground the right way.
Here’s how to grow celery root that actually bulks up into a decent-sized root.
1. Pick the Right Spot and Soil
To grow celery root well, choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil.
Celeriac loves soil that’s high in organic matter, so work in plenty of compost before planting.
The soil pH should be somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0 for the best results when you grow celery root.
2. Space Plants Properly
When you grow celery root, spacing is key because the roots need room to swell.
Plant your seedlings about 8 to 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you crowd them, you’ll still grow celery root, but the roots will be smaller and more likely to bolt.
3. Water Consistently
Celery root plants hate drying out, so keep the soil evenly moist throughout the season.
A layer of mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the soil cool, which is exactly what you want when you grow celery root.
Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rain or from your hose.
4. Feed Them Well
Since you grow celery root for its bulb, it needs steady nutrition to size up.
Side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer a few weeks after transplanting.
Avoid too much nitrogen, though, or you’ll get lots of leafy tops and small roots when you grow celery root.
How Do You Grow Celery Root: Care and Harvest
Caring for celery root through the season is mostly about consistency.
Here’s what to focus on as your plants mature.
1. Remove Side Shoots
As your celery root grows, it may send out small side shoots around the base.
Snip these off so the plant puts its energy into the main root instead.
This little trick helps you grow celery root that’s bigger and smoother.
2. Watch for Pests and Disease
Celery root can attract aphids, celery leaf tier caterpillars, and slugs.
Keep an eye on the leaves and treat problems early so the root keeps developing.
Good airflow and consistent watering go a long way toward preventing disease when you grow celery root.
3. Harvest at the Right Time
You can start harvesting celery root once the bulbs reach about 3 to 4 inches across.
Many gardeners wait until after a light frost, which sweetens the flavor.
Loosen the soil around the root with a fork, then lift it carefully so you don’t bruise the bulb.
Cut off the leafy tops and store your celery root in a cool, humid spot for months.
So, How Do You Grow Celery Root?
You grow celery root by starting seeds indoors early and giving the plants cool weather, rich soil, and steady moisture all season.
It takes patience, but when you grow celery root this way, you end up with firm, flavorful bulbs that store well into winter.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious about how do you grow celery root for the first time, these steps will get you there.
Give it a try, and you’ll see just how rewarding it is to grow celery root in your own backyard.