Balder

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Planting Schedule

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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

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Balder Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 3a	Mar 6th	May 15th	Aug 28th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 10th	May 19th	Sep 1st – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 6th	May 15th	Aug 28th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 4th	May 13th	Aug 26th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Feb 27th	May 8th	Aug 21st – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Feb 23rd	May 4th	Aug 17th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Feb 20th	May 1st	Aug 14th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Feb 14th	Apr 25th	Aug 8th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Feb 9th	Apr 20th	Aug 3rd – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Jan 30th	Apr 10th	Jul 24th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Jan 21st	Apr 1st	Jul 15th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Jan 12th	Mar 23rd	Jul 6th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Dec 26th	Mar 6th	Jun 19th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 1st	Feb 9th	May 25th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th

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.