Vegetable · Apiaceae family
celeriac
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
In short a 10-second read
Celeriac (vegetable) grows to 0.45–0.9 m tall and 0.3–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in moist soil. Sow in March. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in June–October.
× spread 0.3–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
moist · watering: a lot
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 6–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts.
Sowing
sow indoors: March
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
June–October
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection.
- Needs no protection
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow celeriac?
In March (sow indoors).
When is celeriac harvested?
In June–October.
Does celeriac tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does celeriac need?
At maturity 0.3–0.45 m wide and 0.45–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Does celeriac survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Apium graveolens
- RHS — Celeriac — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- EPPO Global Database — Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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