Plant Profile

celeriacApium graveolens var. rapaceum

Versatile root vegetable with a savory, earthy flavor, requiring a long growing season and consistent care. Ideal for autumn and winter cuisine.

Root vegetablesCarrot family
Calendar
celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum): plant portrait - Root vegetables, Carrot family, Harvest August - November
celeriac: plant portrait. harvest: August - November.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Indoor sowingDirect sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvest

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bedRaised bedContainer

Good neighbors

kohlrabiBush BeanSpinachLettuce

Avoid

CarrotparsleyFennelCorn

Indoor & direct sowing

celeriac: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Pre-cultivation from February is recommended to get strong plants.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sowing is possible but generally yields less and is more susceptible to pests.

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm
Germination temp18 - 22 °C
Germination time14 - 21 days
Light germinatorYes
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

celeriac: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Plant out after the last frosts, once plants are strong enough.

Plant spacing30 - 40 cm
Row spacing40 - 50 cm
Plants per m²4 - 7 per m²
Bed widthfrom 60 cm

Temperature & frost

celeriac: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 10 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 20 °C
Max. heatup to 28 °C
Soil temperature15 - 18 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancemedium

Water & nutrients

celeriac: Water, nutrients and care

Waterhigh
Critical water phasesGermination, Bulb formation
Watering methodDrip irrigation
Droughthigh
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needheavy feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitymedium

Container & growth

celeriac: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 10 l; Recommended: from 15 l; Diameter: from 30 cm; Depth: from 25 cm
SupportNo
Height30 - 60 cm
Width30 - 40 cm
Root depth20 - 40 cm
Yield300 - 800 g

Year plan

celeriac Calendar

Plants

The main celeriac harvest takes place in autumn, often until the first hard frost, making it an ideal winter vegetable for soups, purees, and gratins.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest

Relevant now

June

  • FertilizeTop-dress with compost or organic vegetable fertilizer.
  • Remove side shootsRemove outer leaves and side shoots to promote bulb development.
  • Water regularlyEnsure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods.

Next up

July

  • FertilizeAnother application of fertilizer may be beneficial.
  • Remove side shootsContinue to remove side shoots and older outer leaves.
  • Water regularlyConsistent moisture is crucial for bulb formation.

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

Direct sowingPlantingHarvestGrowingPlant health

January

Quiet month

February

Start indoor sowing

Direct sowing

  • Start indoor sowingSow seeds shallowly as celeriac is a light germinator. Consistent moisture and warmth (18-22°C) are crucial.

March

Continue indoor sowingPrick out seedlings

Direct sowing

  • Continue indoor sowingLater sowings are possible, but bulbs will remain smaller.
  • Prick out seedlingsOnce seedlings have their first true leaves, carefully prick them out and plant deeper.

April

Direct sowingLast indoor sowingPrick out seedlingsHarden off plants

Direct sowing

  • Direct sowingOnly in mild regions and well-prepared soil. Thin out later.
  • Last indoor sowingOnly for late harvest or smaller bulbs.
  • Prick out seedlingsRegular pricking out promotes strong young plants.

Planting

  • Harden off plantsGradually acclimate young plants to outdoor temperatures to prevent shock.

May

PlantingWater regularlyPest control

Planting

  • PlantingPlant into well-prepared beds after the Ice Saints (mid-May). Do not plant too deeply.

Growing

  • Water regularlyConsistent moisture is crucial for bulb development.

Plant health

  • Pest controlWatch out for slugs and celery flies.

June

FertilizeRemove side shootsWater regularly

Growing

  • FertilizeTop-dress with compost or organic vegetable fertilizer.
  • Remove side shootsRemove outer leaves and side shoots to promote bulb development.
  • Water regularlyEnsure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods.

July

FertilizeRemove side shootsWater regularly

Growing

  • FertilizeAnother application of fertilizer may be beneficial.
  • Remove side shootsContinue to remove side shoots and older outer leaves.
  • Water regularlyConsistent moisture is crucial for bulb formation.

August

First harvestWater regularly

Harvest

  • First harvestEarly varieties can be harvested once bulbs reach the desired size.

Growing

  • Water regularlyBulbs are growing rapidly now and require a lot of water.

September

HarvestWater regularly

Harvest

  • HarvestCarefully lift bulbs from the soil.

Growing

  • Water regularlyEnsure sufficient moisture even during the main harvest period.

October

HarvestWinter preparation

Harvest

  • HarvestHarvest late varieties. Bulbs can remain in the ground as long as no hard frost is imminent.

Growing

  • Winter preparationCover unharvested bulbs with leaves or straw to protect them from light frost.

November

Final harvest

Harvest

  • Final harvestHarvest all remaining bulbs before the first prolonged hard frost.

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

celeriac Flowering & pollination

Flowering period

June - August (in the second year)

Self-fertility

self_fertile_with_insect_assistance

Pollinator needed

yes

Overview

Celeriac is insect-pollinated. The flowers are hermaphroditic and can self-pollinate, but cross-pollination by insects increases seed yield.

Notes

Flowers only appear in the second year of growth if the plant has overwintered. They are attractive to insects.

Companion guide

celeriac Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

kohlrabiBush BeanSpinachLettuceAlliumtomato

Avoid

CarrotparsleyFennelCornpotato

Use & storage

celeriac Use & storage

Harvest

Harvest as soon as the bulbs reach the desired size, until the first hard frost.

Storage

Root vegetable (cool, dark, moist)

Storage life

3-5 months under optimal conditions

Flavor

Savory, earthy, slightly nutty, milder than stalk celery

Harvest

Harvest as soon as the bulbs reach the desired size, until the first hard frost.

Culinary uses

Soups and stews (as a base or ingredient)Puree (alone or mixed with potatoes)Gratins and casserolesRoasted or baked (as a side dish or main course)Raw, grated in salads (e.g., celeriac remoulade)As a vegetable side dish (steamed, boiled)Flavoring for broths and sauces

Processing

Freezing (peeled, diced, and blanched)Pickling (sour)Drying (as a spice or soup vegetable)

After harvest

After harvesting, remove the outer leaves and fine roots. Do not wash the bulbs, but brush off soil and allow them to dry slightly in a cool, airy place before storage.

Notes

Celeriac is an excellent low-carb alternative to potatoes and has an intense but delicate flavor.

Edibility & safety

celeriac Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)
Caution parts:Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots
Raw consumption:Yes, the bulb can be grated raw in salads.

Safety notes

Celeriac is safe for most people to eat. Individuals with a celery allergy should avoid contact and consumption, as severe allergic reactions can occur.

Animal safety

For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 13 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)

Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Sensitivity to celery compounds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. Older leaves and stalks contain higher concentrations of potentially irritating compounds and should be avoided. Consumption of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)

Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Consumption of leaves or stalks, Allergic reactions in sensitive animals

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Bloating

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks contain furanocoumarins that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. Young leaves can be used sparingly as seasoning. If signs of digestive upset occur, feeding should be discontinued and a veterinarian consulted.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)

Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Consumption of leaves or stalks, Allergic reactions in sensitive animals

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Bloating

contact a vet if symptoms appear

No direct species-specific source was found for guinea pigs. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)

Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Sensitivity to furanocoumarins

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Celeriac is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. The bulb and young leaves can be fed, while older leaves, stalks, and roots should be avoided due to furanocoumarins. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

No suitable parts listed

No risk parts listed

unknown

No reliable species-specific assessment is available. The bulb might be fed as a treat in very small quantities, but there is no specific data on safety or toxicity for horses. Leaves and stalks should be avoided.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)

Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Consumption of leaves and stalks

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. Older leaves and stalks contain higher levels of furanocoumarins and may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed excessively. Roots should not be fed. Young leaves can be used sparingly as seasoning. If signs of digestive upset occur, discontinue feeding and monitor. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for geese in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for sheep in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for goats in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for cattle in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Bulb (hypocotyl)

No risk parts listed

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

usually no action needed

The bulb of celeriac is suitable for pigs in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

not established

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

celeriac Saving seed

Seed saving

yes

Seed viability

3 - 5 years

Storage

Store dry, cool, and dark. Viability 3-5 years.

Notes

Celeriac is biennial and only flowers in its second year. For seed saving, plants must be overwintered. As celery species readily cross-pollinate, sufficient isolation distance from other Apium graveolens varieties (stalk celery, leaf celery) is required.

Practical tips

celeriac Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Planting young plants too deeply, which hinders bulb formation.Irregular watering, leading to cracked or woody bulbs.Cold stress in young plants, causing premature bolting.Omitting insect netting, leading to severe celery fly infestation.

Success pattern

Early pre-cultivation in a warm environment, followed by careful pricking out and hardening off.Planting out after the Ice Saints (mid-May) into well-prepared, humus-rich soil.Consistent use of insect netting against the celery fly.Consistent and sufficient water and nutrient supply throughout the growing season.

High-impact tips

Use insect netting from May to July to keep the celery fly away.Mulch the soil around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Regularly remove the outer, older leaves and side shoots to promote bulb development.

Grower observations

Celeriac requires patience and attention to detail, but rewards with an abundant harvest that stores excellently and enriches winter cuisine.Pre-cultivation is laborious but essential for strong plants and large bulbs. Direct sowing is usually disappointing.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum): whole plant for plant portrait - Root vegetables, Carrot family, Harvest August
celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum): whole plant for plant portrait - Root vegetables, Carrot family, Harvest August

Health

Pests, Diseases

Plant health

SlugsAphidsBoron deficiencyCalcium deficiencyPotassium deficiencyBoltingCracked Bulbs

Diagnosis help

celeriac Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Insects (flies, aphids)Slugs

Disease groups

Fungal diseasesBacterial rot

Prevention

Practice crop rotation (at least 3 years break from other Apiaceae).Choose a sunny, sheltered location with deep, humus-rich soil.Ensure consistent water supply, especially during bulb formation.Provide balanced nutrient supply, particularly potassium and boron.Maintain adequate plant spacing for good air circulation.Use insect netting against celery fly.Do not plant too deeply; the heart of the plant should remain above ground.Regularly inspect plants for the first signs of pests or diseases.

Diagnosis

Look for discolorations, spots, feeding marks on leaves and bulbs, and stunted growth. Precise observation of symptoms is crucial for correct diagnosis.

Cultural prevention

Maintain a crop rotation of at least 3 years to reduce soil-borne diseases and pests.Ensure adequate plant spacing (30-40 cm) for good air circulation and to prevent fungal infections.Do not plant too deeply; the heart of the plant should remain above ground to avoid rot.Mulching the soil helps maintain consistent moisture and suppress weeds.Implement companion planting with deterrent plants like leeks or onions.

Monitoring

Regularly inspect leaves for feeding marks, discolorations, or blisters (celery fly).Monitor bulb development for cracks or deformities.Use yellow sticky traps for early detection of flying pests.

First response

For celery fly infestation: immediately remove and destroy infested leaves, apply insect netting.For aphids: rinse off with a strong jet of water or spray with neem oil/soapy water solution.For slugs: hand-pick, erect slug barriers, or use organic slug pellets.For fungal infections (e.g., leaf spot): remove infected leaves, ensure better air circulation, if necessary, use organic copper-based fungicides.

Diagnostic rules

Blister-like swellings on leaves, later brown and dried up.

Possible causes: Selleriefliege

  • Check undersides of leaves for larvae
  • Is insect netting intact?

Small, round, brown spots on leaves that enlarge and merge.

Possible causes: Sellerieblattfleckenkrankheit

  • Check humidity and air circulation
  • Is plant spacing adequate?

Internal browning and hollows in the bulb, bulb cracked or woody.

Possible causes: Boron deficiency

  • Conduct soil analysis
  • Check fertilization practices

Plant forms a flower stalk prematurely, bulb remains small and hard.

Possible causes: Bolting

  • Check temperatures during juvenile phase
  • Is planting time correct?

FAQ

Why is my celeriac bolting prematurely?

Premature bolting is often triggered by cold stress during the plant's juvenile phase (temperatures below 10°C for extended periods). Plant celeriac only after the last frosts and harden off young plants well to avoid temperature shocks.

My celeriac bulbs remain small or become woody. What's the reason?

This can have several causes: planting too deeply (the heart of the plant should be above ground), insufficient or inconsistent water supply, nutrient deficiency (especially boron and potassium), or compacted, stony soil. Ensure loose soil, consistent moisture, and balanced fertilization.

How do I protect celeriac from the celery fly?

The most effective protection is to cover plants with fine-mesh insect netting from May to July when the flies are active. Companion planting with leeks or onions can also help deter the flies. Infested leaves should be removed immediately.

What's the best way to store celeriac over winter?

Celeriac stores excellently. After harvesting, simply brush off the bulbs (do not wash) and remove the outer leaves. Store them cool (0-5°C), dark, and moist, ideally packed in moist sand in a cellar or root clamp. They will keep for 3-5 months this way.

Is celeriac safe for Dog?

celeriac is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. The bulb of celeriac is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks should be avoided as they may contain potentially irritating compounds. Excessive consumption of the bulb can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Is celeriac safe for Cat?

celeriac is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The bulb of celeriac is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. Older leaves and stalks contain higher concentrations of potentially irritating compounds and should be avoided. Consumption of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Is celeriac safe for Rabbit?

celeriac is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The bulb of celeriac is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. Leaves and stalks contain furanocoumarins that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. Young leaves can be used sparingly as seasoning. If signs of digestive upset occur, feeding should be discontinued and a veterinarian consulted.

Is celeriac safe for Guinea pig?

celeriac is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. No direct species-specific source was found for guinea pigs. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-13

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-13

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Knollensellerie

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

  4. English Wikipedia: Celeriac

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

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