President

Celeriac

Zone 13a Save Garden

🌱 95d to harvest Upright

Aromatic and richly savory, President celeriac forms a bold, knobbly crown with a creamy, ivory interior that feels luxuriously d…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Oct 23rd
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Dec 25th
Harvest Begins	Mar 30th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), and how do I control it?

Celeriac is frequently hit by leaf blights such as Septoria leaf spot and by celery leaf miner, which causes trails and distorted leaflets. Remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry, and improve airflow around plants. For leaf miner, use row cover once plants are established and check weekly to catch damage early, since spot-spraying is most effective only when larvae are small.

How often should I water celeriac during its main growing phase?

During active bulbing (roughly mid-season through harvest), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil to about 6–8 inches deep. In full sun conditions, this typically means watering 1–2 times per week, increasing to more often during hot spells; water when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry. Uneven moisture can lead to corky roots and poor texture in the enlarged stem (the “bulb”).

How do I know when celeriac is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 95 days after sowing when the stem “bulb” is well-sized (typically palm-sized to larger) and the surface is smooth and firm. Check the base regularly—if it feels spongy or the grooves are opening unevenly, it’s still developing. For best flavor, plan to harvest before hard freezes, and expect the best eating quality when the foliage starts to thin and the bulb feels solid.

Aromatic and richly savory, President celeriac forms a bold, knobbly crown with a creamy, ivory interior that feels luxuriously dense in the hand. Its flavor is deep and celery-bright, with a gentle sweetness that lingers—ideal for roasting until caramel-kissed, simmering into velvety purées, or shredding for crisp, refreshing salads. Grow it for a dependable 95-day harvest and enjoy a standout root that brings unmistakable character to every cool-season plate.

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

Celeriac forms its heavy solid root only when consistently cool and evenly moist—keep soil temperatures moderate and avoid letting the root zone dry out.