Westlandia

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Aromatic and richly earthy, Westlandia celeriac forms a handsome, knobbly crown with creamy flesh that feels luxuriously dense and smooth when lifted from the soil.

Its flavor is deep and savory with a gentle celery snap—ideal for roasting until mellow, or for fresh grating into salads for a crisp, fragrant bite. Grow Westlandia for a dependable 120-day harvest and a striking root centerpiece that turns everyday dishes into something quietly exceptional.

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 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)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Westlandia celeriac leans earthy and aromatic, with enough celery snap to cut through fat and salt. Roast it hard to mellow the flavor into creamy sweetness, or shave it thin so it stays crisp under vinaigrette—never mushy.

Best Uses

roast and caramelize into tender, spoonable cubes
grate raw or shaved into crisp salads with acidic dressing
make silky celeriac purée for a spoon-and-fork side
use in gratins or braises where it stays creamy, not watery

Flavor Profile

deep savory earthiness gentle celery snap creamy-dense, smooth texture aromatic root sweetness when roasted

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon thyme nutmeg mustard smoked salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Westlandia (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), and how can I treat it?

A common issue is celery leaf blight/fungal spotting (often driven by persistent leaf wetness), which shows up as brown to black spots on leaves and then affects overall vigor. Water the soil at the base (not the foliage) and remove heavily spotted leaves; if conditions stay humid, use a labeled fungicide and repeat as directed on the label. Also keep plants spaced for airflow so leaves dry quickly after morning dew.

How often should I water Westlandia during the main growing phase (bulb/root swelling)?

During the main swelling period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again. Don’t let the root zone swing between bone-dry and waterlogged, which can lead to cracking and poor texture.

How do I tell when Westlandia is ready to harvest?

Westlandia is typically ready around 120 days from sowing, but harvest when the storage root reaches full size and the base looks firm rather than hollow or spongy. Check the crown area at soil level—when it’s thick and well developed and the outer leaves start to slow their growth, it’s time to lift. Harvest before prolonged hard freezes, since cold can damage quality and texture.