Rowena

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Aromatic and deeply satisfying, Rowena celeriac forms a handsome, knobby crown with a creamy, ivory interior and a crisp, fine-grained bite.

Its flavor is bold yet refined—celery-bright with a gentle sweetness that lingers pleasantly, making it a standout for roasting until tender, pureeing into velvety sides, or simmering into rich soups and veloutés. Grow Rowena for a dependable 90-day harvest and a root that stores beautifully, bringing garden-fresh character to every cool-season table.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 90 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	Jul 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Part 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)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Rowena celeriac hits with a celery-spark and a lightly sweet core, plus that fine-grained crisp-tender texture that stays graceful under heat. Roast or purée it and it becomes luxuriously smooth—just finish with lemon and pepper so the aroma stays lively, not dull.

Best Uses

roast into caramel edges, then mash or shave into warm salads
purée into a silky velouté—stir in butter/cream off-heat for body
simmer into hearty soups where it thickens without turning starchy
cut into thin batons and toss with vinaigrette for a crisp-cool contrast

Flavor Profile

celery-bright aroma gentle sweetness with a savory, rooty backbone creamy, fine-grained crisp-tender bite

Kitchen Pairings

butter cream black pepper lemon thyme smoked bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Celery root is prone to fungal leaf spots and blights (often from wet foliage), especially in humid weather. Water at the soil line, thin so air moves through plants, and remove infected leaves promptly. If you see spreading spotting, spray a labeled fungicide for leafy vegetables and repeat as directed, focusing on protecting new growth.

How often should I water celery root during the main growing phase to grow a good bulb?

From when bulbs start forming until harvest (roughly mid-season onward), keep soil consistently evenly moist—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid rot, but don’t allow the soil to fully dry out, which can cause hollow or poorly sized bulbs.

How do I tell when celery root is ready to harvest (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum)?

Harvest when the bulb is firm and well-filled at the base, usually around 90 days from transplanting/sowing depending on your schedule. A good cue is bulb diameter that feels solid when gently pressed; if it feels soft or spongey, leave it longer. For best texture, pull before hard frosts—after light cool weather is okay.