When to Plant Celeriac in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow March to June and August to October. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Celeriac guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Celeriac

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Celeriac is an underappreciated root vegetable that deserves more attention in Australian gardens. It produces a large, knobby, celery-flavoured root that is outstanding roasted, mashed, or in soups. It requires patience (120+ days), consistent moisture, and rich soil, making it a more advanced crop. Best suited to cool-temperate and cold-highland zones; struggles in tropical and subtropical heat.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - S S T T - S T T - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 15–21°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Celeriac in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Challenging in SEQ. Start seed indoors February-March, transplant April. Plants grow through winter, harvest August-September. The long season is only just possible in a mild subtropical winter.

Soil
Rich, deep, moisture-retentive soil heavily amended with compost and well-rotted manure. Celeriac is a heavy feeder and demands fertile, humus-rich soil. Tolerates heavier soils than most root vegetables.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade (3-6 hours). Tolerates more shade than most root crops. In warmer zones, afternoon shade is beneficial.
Spacing
30cm apart, 45cm between rows
Watering
Celeriac demands consistent, generous moisture throughout its long growing season. Never let soil dry out. Water deeply 3-4 times per week. Drip irrigation ideal. Dry stress causes woody, hollow roots

Companion plants: Leek, Bean, Tomato, Cabbage, Cauliflower

Avoid planting near: Carrot, Parsnip (shares diseases), Corn

Subtropical Growing Tips for Celeriac

Recommended Varieties

  • Giant Prague
  • Monarch

Key Challenges

  • Marginal climate, needs a long, cool growing season
  • Summer heat kills seedlings if started too late
  • Aphid and leaf miner pressure

Pro Tips

  • Start seeds in February in a cool indoor spot. They need 10-12 weeks before transplanting
  • This is an advanced crop for subtropical growers. Not recommended for beginners
  • Raised beds with excellent drainage essential

Harvesting Celeriac

When ready: Root is 10-15cm diameter, visible above soil surface. Outer leaves begin to yellow and fall. Typically 120-150 days from transplant. Root should feel firm and heavy.

How to harvest: Use a garden fork to lever out the root. Cut off leaves and side roots. Trim the base. Do not wash if storing. The root should be the size of a large grapefruit or softball.

Common Celeriac Pests in Subtropical Zones

Fungal Soft Rot, risk: HIGH (score: 72/100)

Organic prevention: Remove all plant debris. Crop rotation. Avoid planting near celery, parsley, or other apiaceae crops.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Celeriac

When do you plant celeriac in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does celeriac grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Mar to Jun, Aug to Oct. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.