Victoria

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Aromatically rich and deeply satisfying, Victoria celeriac forms a broad, knobbly crown with a creamy interior that carries a clean, celery-bright flavor and a subtly nutty edge.

The flesh is fine-grained and tender, holding its character beautifully whether you roast it to a caramel-kissed sweetness or simmer it into velvety purées and comforting gratins. Grow Victoria for a dependable 85-day harvest and a root that’s as handsome on the counter as it is in the pan—ideal for mashing, roasting, and pickling-style preparations.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 85 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 11th
Harvest Begins	Jul 5th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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

Victoria celeriac cooks up creamy without turning mushy, keeping that celery-clean snap even after roasting or simmering. Go for it when you want a root that brings both aroma and a nutty, custardy mouthfeel—especially in purées, gratins, and vinegar-bright preparations.

Best Uses

roasted wedges with caramelized edges
velvety celeriac purée or mash
baked gratin with cream and nutmeg
thin slices for quick pickling-style tucks

Flavor Profile

celery-bright, clean aromatics subtly nutty sweetness fine-grained, tender bite creamy, silky texture when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter garlic fresh thyme Gruyère mustard (Dijon) cider vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Rheum rhabarbarum (Victoria) and how do I manage it?

A frequent issue is crown rot from persistent wet soil, often showing up as brown, collapsing stems at the base. Keep the bed well-drained and remove any plants with soft, rotting crowns; avoid watering the crown and don’t work the soil when it’s soggy. If you see leaf spots with increasing speckling and yellowing, promptly remove infected leaves to reduce spread and improve airflow around the plants.

How often should I water Victoria rhubarb during the main growing phase?

During active growth, water deeply about 1–2 times per week so the top 6–8 in (15–20 cm) stays evenly moist, not waterlogged. Water more consistently in warm spells, but stop and let the surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent crown rot. A simple check is whether the soil feels cool and moist a finger’s depth down—if it’s dry, water; if it’s soggy, hold back.

How can I tell when Victoria rhubarb is ready to harvest?

Harvest when stalks are thick enough to break easily with a gentle tug and reach a usable size, typically around 8–10 weeks after spring growth begins (about 85 days to maturity overall). Choose stalks that are firm and fully colored for the variety, and avoid harvesting too early from the newest plants. Stop harvesting by mid-to-late summer so the plant can rebuild energy for next year’s spring.