How To Grow Celeriac in Australia

Quick Guide: Growing Celeriac in Australia

• Optimal Growing Temperatures: Between 8°C and 21°C.
• Ready to Harvest: 14-28 weeks after planting.
• Space Between Plants: Plant 45-80 cm apart.
• Companion Plants: Carrots, Leeks, Lettuce
• Plants to Avoid: None
• Plant Type: Seed.

When to Plant Celeriac in Australia

Tropical

Best planting months for Celeriac in the Tropical regions are January and August to December. This includes areas like Cairns, Darwin, and Broome.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Subtropical

For the Subtropical region, celeriac can be planted from March to October Cities in the Subtropical region include Brisbane, Central Coast, and Sydney.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Temperate

Celeriac can be planted in January and from August to December in the Temperate regions of Australia. Cities in the Temperate region include Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong, and Perth.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Cool

For the Cool region, celeriac can be planted in January and Septembet to Novermber. Cities in the Cool region include alpine regions of Victoria and Tasmania.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Arid

Best planting months for celeriac in the Arid region is July to September.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Getting Started with Growing Celeriac

If you're eager to start growing celeriac in your organic garden, you're in for a treat! This section will guide you through the essential steps to get started with growing this versatile vegetable.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting a celeriac variety for your garden, it's important to consider factors such as your climate, gardening space, and personal preferences. Here are a few popular celeriac varieties suitable for organic gardening in Australia:

By choosing the right celeriac variety, you can ensure a successful and productive harvest. For more information on growing other root vegetables, check out our articles on how to grow yams, how to grow turnips, and how to grow salsify. 

Preparing the Soil for Celeriac

Celeriac thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Dig the soil to a depth of about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility and structure.

To ensure optimal growth, celeriac prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. If needed, you can adjust the pH using organic soil amendments such as dolomite lime or sulfur.

Sowing Celeriac Seeds

Celeriac is typically started from seeds, and it's essential to provide them with the right conditions for germination. Here's how you can sow celeriac seeds in your organic garden:

1. Start indoors: Celeriac seeds benefit from an early start indoors. Begin sowing the seeds 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
2. Use seed trays: Fill seed trays or small pots with a high-quality seed starting mix. Moisten the mix before sowing the seeds.
3. Sow the seeds: Plant the celeriac seeds about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep and space them approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Lightly cover the seeds with the seed starting mix.
4. Provide warmth and moisture: Place the trays or pots in a warm location with a temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) tall, they are ready to be transplanted into your garden. Ensure all frost has passed before moving them outdoors.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to growing healthy celeriac plants in your organic garden. Stay tuned for the next section on caring for celeriac plants, where we'll explore watering, fertilising, and managing pests and diseases.

Caring for Celeriac Plants

To ensure healthy and productive celeriac plants in your organic garden, it's important to provide proper care throughout their growth. Paying attention to watering and moisture requirements, fertilising celeriac, and managing pests and diseases will help you grow robust and flavorful celeriac.

Watering and Moisture Requirements

Celeriac plants require consistent moisture to thrive. Adequate watering is particularly crucial during dry spells, as dry conditions can cause the roots to become woody and affect the quality of the harvested roots.

Water your celeriac plants thoroughly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim to provide around 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of water per week. It's a good practice to water deeply and less frequently rather than applying light, frequent watering. This encourages the roots to grow deeply, making the plants more resilient.

Consider using mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Organic mulch, such as straw or bark chips, can also provide additional nutrients as it decomposes. Regularly monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to maintain an optimal growing environment for your celeriac plants.

Fertilising Celeriac

To support the growth and development of your celeriac plants, fertilising is essential. Before planting, incorporate well-rotted organic matter or compost into the soil to improve its fertility and structure. This provides a nutrient-rich environment for the plants to thrive.

During the growing season, you can supplement the soil with additional nutrients by applying a balanced organic fertilizer. Look for fertilizers that are specifically formulated for root vegetables or general-purpose vegetable fertilizers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.

Alternatively, you can use organic liquid fertilisers, such as seaweed or fish emulsion, which can be applied as a foliar spray or added to the soil. These liquid fertilisers provide a quick boost of nutrients to support the growth of your celeriac plants.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Like any other plant, celeriac is susceptible to pests and diseases. Taking proactive measures to manage pests and diseases will help protect your plants and ensure a successful harvest.

Some common pests that can affect celeriac include aphids, slugs, and carrot flies. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pest infestation. If you notice any pests, consider using organic pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings. For more information on managing pests in your organic garden, check out our articles on how to grow yams and how to grow turnips.

Certain diseases, such as celery leaf spot and root rot, can also affect celeriac plants. To minimise the risk of diseases, practice crop rotation by avoiding planting celeriac or other related crops in the same spot year after year. This helps break the disease cycle and reduces the chances of reinfection. Additionally, ensure good air circulation around the plants by providing adequate spacing. This can help prevent the development and spread of fungal diseases.

By providing proper care, watering, fertilising, and managing pests and diseases, you can ensure healthy and productive celeriac plants in your organic garden. Your efforts will be rewarded with flavorful and nutritious celeriac roots that you can enjoy in a variety of delicious recipes.

Harvesting and Storing Celeriac

Once your celeriac plants have reached maturity, it's time to harvest and store them properly to enjoy their delicious flavour. Proper harvesting techniques and storage methods are essential to ensure the longevity of your celeriac crop.

When to Harvest Celeriac

Celeriac is typically ready for harvest around 90 to 120 days after sowing the seeds. The best way to determine if your celeriac is ready to be harvested is by examining the size of the root bulb. Ideally, it should have reached a diameter of around 8 to 10 centimetres (3 to 4 inches). However, if you prefer smaller bulbs, you can harvest them a bit earlier.

Proper Harvesting Techniques

To harvest celeriac, gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant using a garden fork or trowel. Be cautious not to damage the root bulb in the process. Once the soil is loosened, carefully lift the celeriac plant out of the ground, ensuring that the entire root system remains intact.

After harvesting, remove the foliage, leaving only a small amount of stem attached to the root bulb. This helps to prevent excessive moisture loss during storage. Avoid washing the celeriac at this stage, as moisture can lead to decay during storage.

Storing Celeriac for Longevity

To prolong the shelf life of your celeriac, it's important to store it under the right conditions. Celeriac can be stored for several months if kept in a cool, dark, and humid environment.

First, trim any excess roots or foliage from the harvested celeriac. Then, place the root bulbs in a container or crate lined with damp sand, peat moss, or sawdust. Make sure the celeriac roots are not touching each other to prevent the spread of rot.

Store the container in a cool and dark location, such as a root cellar or a cool basement. The ideal storage temperature for celeriac is around 2 to 4 degrees Celsius (35 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit). Check the celeriac regularly and remove any bulbs that show signs of decay to prevent spoilage.

By following these harvesting and storage guidelines, you can enjoy the delightful taste of celeriac in your recipes for an extended period.

For more information on growing other root vegetables, check out our articles in our A-Z guides.