Kojak

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Aromatic and richly sweet, Kojak celeriac forms a smooth, rounded crown with a creamy, ivory interior and a faintly peppery perfume that lingers like fresh-cut herbs.

The flesh stays tender and fine-grained, offering a velvety bite that shines when roasted until caramel-soft, or when grated for bright, fragrant salads and slaws. Grow Kojak for its dependable, uniform shape and its bold, celery-deep flavor that elevates sauces and braises with ease.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Upright

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 31st
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 11th
Harvest Begins	Aug 9th
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)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kojak celeriac is built for the kind of eating where it goes from raw perfume to roasted caramel softness—its texture stays fine and velvety rather than turning stringy. The peppery, celery-herb note loves dairy and fat, so it blooms hard in purées, braises, and lemony slaws.

Best Uses

roasting to caramel-soft rounds for spoonable edges
grating raw for citrus-bright slaws and herb salads
pureeing into silky soups and braising thickeners
quick pan-searing or shallow-frying into crisp-edged slices

Flavor Profile

celery-deep sweetness faintly peppery, herb-like perfume fine-grained, creamy-tender bite aromatic finish that lingers

Kitchen Pairings

lemon black pepper butter cream thyme smoked pork

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Apium graveolens var. rapaceum (celeriac/“Kojak”), and how can I control it?

Celeriac often gets celery leaf spot and other leaf blights (dark spots that expand and cause yellowing), especially with humid, crowded foliage. Water at the soil line and space plants so leaves dry quickly, then remove the worst infected leaves to slow spread. If problems persist, apply a labeled fungicide that’s approved for celery/Apiaceae leaf spot and follow label intervals.

How often should I water Kojak celeriac during the main growing phase?

During active bulb (root) enlargement, keep soil evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for your rainfall and heat. Water deeply so moisture reaches the celeriac’s expanding root, but avoid standing water because soggy soil increases rot risk. A simple check: the top 1–2 inches should not dry out completely between waterings.

How do I know when Kojak celeriac is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 110–120 days when the celeriac base is firm, well-sized, and the “shoulders” of the bulb feel solid rather than spongy. Leaves should look sturdy but not freshly regrowing; if bulbs are still small and soft, give them more time. For best quality, lift before hard freezes, as prolonged freezing can damage the outside skin.