Celeriac

CULTURE:
Celeriac requires a fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0–7.0. Do not let the soil dry out, indoors or out. This crop needs a consistent supply of moisture throughout the season for optimum flavor and yield.


GROWING SEEDLINGS:
Sow in trays 10–12 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow 6 seeds per inch, 1/8" deep, in 20-row, open flats, or plug trays. Keep soil moist and temperatures 70–75°F (21–24°C) if possible. Seedlings emerge in 2–3 weeks and then temperature can be reduced to 60–70°F (16–21°C).

TRANSPLANTING:
When seedlings have 2 true leaves, transplant to 72-cell plug trays. Transplant outdoors when weather is warm and settled. Set plants 6–8" apart in rows 24–36" apart. Irrigate to keep soil moist. There is risk of plants bolting to seed if they are set out when daytime temperatures are consistently below 55°F (13°C).

BOLTING:
Caused by exposure of young plants to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) for 10 days or more. When hardening plants before transplanting out, reduce water for 7–10 days. Do not harden off celeriac plants by lowering temperatures!

DISEASES AND PESTS:
For leaf blights, rotate crops. Ensure adequate soil calcium and water to prevent black heart. For Celery Mosaic (mottled leaves, twisted stems, dwarfing), control aphids.

HARVEST:
Harvest late summer through fall at a 3–5" diameter.

STORAGE:
After harvest, remove field heat by dunking plants in cold water. Store sound heads/roots at 32°F (0°C) with 98–100% relative humidity. Celeriac will store for 6–8 months. CAUTION: In rare instances contact with the foliage can result in a severe rash. When working with this crop on hot, sunny days, we recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants and washing any exposed skin surfaces as soon as possible after contact.