Merengo

Celeriac

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 120d to harvest Upright

Aromatic and deeply satisfying, Merengo celeriac forms an elegant, knobbly crown with a creamy, ivory interior and a crisp, fine-…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Oct 23rd
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Dec 25th
Harvest Begins	Apr 24th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Part 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Celery root is especially prone to early blight/leaf blights (often starting on older leaves) and may also suffer from celery leaf spot—look for dark spots that spread and yellowing. Remove and discard affected tops immediately, keep the foliage dry by watering at the soil line, and rotate beds so Apiaceae aren’t grown in the same spot for at least 3 years.

How often should I water celery root during its main growth phase (after thinning/establishment)?

During the main bulbing stage, keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rain. If the soil dries out between waterings, the swollen roots can split or become pithy, so use mulch and water deeply to reach the root zone rather than frequent light sprinkling.

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

Harvest when the “bulb” at the soil surface reaches a good size and the plant shows early natural decline, typically around 120 days from sowing. A practical cue is that the root should feel firm and substantial, and the leaves begin to yellow—lift before hard freezes to avoid quality loss.

Aromatic and deeply satisfying, Merengo celeriac forms an elegant, knobbly crown with a creamy, ivory interior and a crisp, fine-grained bite. Its flavor is bold yet refined—earthy celery depth with a gentle sweetness—making it a standout for roasting, purees, and velvety sauces, as well as for fresh grating. Grow Merengo for a long, steady season that rewards patience with a harvest-ready root at about 120 days, ideal for the home gardener who loves distinctive, garden-grown character.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start celery early under lights and transplant only when nights are consistently warm, then keep soil evenly moist to maintain tender stalks.