When to Plant Celeriac in Sydney — Warm Temperate Guide
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.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 19.3°C (optimal range: 15–21°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Celeriac in Warm Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Start seed indoors August-September. Transplant November. Harvest March-May. Sydney's mild climate allows a reasonable growing window.
- 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
Warm Temperate Growing Tips for Celeriac
Recommended Varieties
- Giant Prague
- Monarch
- Prinz
- Brilliant
Key Challenges
- Long growing season ties up bed space
- Septoria leaf spot in humid autumn
- Consistent watering through summer
Pro Tips
- Start seed very early (August) in a warm spot indoors - germination is slow
- Monarch has smoother skin than Giant Prague, easier to peel
- Remove side shoots from the root crown from December onwards to produce a cleaner root
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.
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