Giant Prague

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Aromatically rich and luxuriously smooth, Giant Prague celeriac forms large, well-rounded bulbs with a pale, creamy interior that feels dense and velvety in the hand.

Its flavor is deep and savory with a gentle celery brightness, making it a standout for roasting, purees, and elegant gratins—also wonderful for braises and hearty soups. Grow this dependable 120-day selection for a bold harvest that stores beautifully and elevates every cool-season meal.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Upright

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Aug 16th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Giant Prague celeriac is built for the slow heat—its dense, smooth interior turns luxuriously creamy without going chalky, and that faint celery brightness keeps the richness from feeling flat. Slice it thick for gratins or roast it hard for caramel edges, then finish with butter/cream and sharp cheese for a clean, elegant mouthfeel.

Best Uses

roasted wedges that caramelize at the edges while staying creamy inside
silky celeriac purée (reduced cream + butter) for spoonable texture
gratin slices with a browned top and custardy center
braises and soups where it thickens without getting grainy

Flavor Profile

deep savory aroma gentle celery brightness dense, velvety bite creamy when cooked without turning starchy

Kitchen Pairings

fresh thyme garlic butter heavy cream black pepper Gruyère

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Apium graveolens var. rapaceum (giant Prague celery root), and how can I fix it?

Celery root is especially prone to early blight/leaf spot and can also get Septoria leaf spot in damp weather. Water the soil only (not the foliage), space plants to keep leaves dry, and remove heavily spotted leaves; if the problem keeps spreading, use a copper-based fungicide according to the label when new spots first appear. Avoid using leftover infected plant debris from previous celery-family crops in the same bed.

How often should I water giant Prague celery root during its main growth phase?

During bulbing and leaf growth (roughly mid-season through about 90–100 days), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply after the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dries; consistent moisture helps form a thick, smooth “celeriac” bulb. Stop short of soggy soil to reduce the risk of rot and foliar diseases.

How do I know when giant Prague celery root is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 120 days when the bulb is fully swollen and reaches the expected size, with the base of the celery-like stalks firm and well-developed. The best indicator is that the bulb feels solid when you gently press the sides, and the leaves begin to look slightly mature (not limp or actively stretching). Use a garden fork to lift the bulb carefully to avoid damaging the thick roots.