Balder

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Balder celeriac brings a wonderfully crisp, clean bite with a mellow, celery-sweet fragrance and a subtly nutty depth.

At maturity, it forms a broad, knobby crown with smooth, creamy flesh that stays firm for reliable slicing and hearty texture in roasts, gratins, and comforting purées. Grow Balder for a dependable 105-day harvest and a striking, garden-to-table centerpiece that shines in sauces and pickles alike.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 105 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 8th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	105
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Balder celeriac gives you a crunchy-to-tender progression—firm flesh that slices clean and roasts without collapsing. Its mellow celery-sweetness and nutty undertone love butter, lemon, and sharp acid pickles, so it tastes like a vegetable that’s been cooked on purpose, not just softened.

Best Uses

shaved celeriac salads with lemony vinaigrette
brown-butter or stock-braised celeriac for tender, sliceable chunks
roasts and sheet-pan caramelization where it develops nutty edges
gratin or purée that stays smooth without turning watery
quick-pickled slices for tangy crunch

Flavor Profile

crisp, clean celery-sweet bite mellow celery fragrance subtly nutty depth with a creamy interior firm slices that hold structure under heat

Kitchen Pairings

lemon mustard garlic thyme butter Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Balder during warm, humid weather?

Look for a white, powdery coating on Balder leaves and stems, often starting in the lower canopy. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing heavily affected leaves, then spray with a labeled fungicide suitable for powdery mildew on edible crops. Prevent repeat infections by watering Balder at the base so foliage stays dry and avoiding overhead irrigation.

How often should I water Balder during the main growing phase (after it establishes)?

Water Balder when the top 1 inch of soil dries out—typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil type. Aim for deep, even moisture so the root zone is evenly moist, not soggy; consistent dryness causes stalling and uneven growth by mid-season. Use mulch to reduce moisture swings, especially once plants are actively growing toward their ~105-day harvest.

How can I tell when Balder is ready to harvest at about 105 days?

Harvest when plants have formed full-size heads/fruit for their variety and the exterior skin is firm, evenly colored, and no longer looks glossy or immature. If you’re unsure, check a few samples: Balder should feel dense for its size with no “soft” centers when gently pressed. Avoid waiting until it’s overly mature, because quality can drop and texture can become woody or tough near the end of the season.