Celeriac White Alabaster

Climate Requirements

Temperature: 

• Celeriac is a cool season crop that thrives in moderate temperatures. Ideal growth occurs in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C.
• Plant celeriac during autumn or early winter.

Frost Tolerance: 

• Celeriac can withstand light frost, which can actually enhance its flavor. However, heavy frosts should be avoided.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type: 

• Celeriac prefers well-draining, loamy soil.
• Heavy clay or sandy soils can hinder root development.

Soil pH: 

• Aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Conduct a soil test if unsure and amend accordingly.

Organic Matter: 

• Enhance the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
• This not only improves fertility but also aids in moisture retention.

Sowing Seeds

Seed Starting: 

• Start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Use seed trays or pots filled with a seed-starting mix.

Direct Sowing: 

• In milder areas, you can sow seeds directly in the garden in late summer or early autumn.

Germination: 

• Seeds usually take 14-20 days to germinate.
• Keep the soil moist during this period.

Transplanting and Spacing

Seedling Care: 

• Once seedlings reach about 10 cm tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors.

Spacing: 

• Transplant seedlings to the garden, spacing them about 60 cm apart to allow for adequate root growth.
• Rows should be about 60 cm apart.

Watering

Moisture Needs: 

• Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods.
• Celeriac has a relatively high-water requirement, so aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Mulching: 

• Use organic mulch (straw, grass clippings, or wood chips) around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature.

Fertilisation

Initial Fertilisation: 

• Fertilise at planting with a balanced fertiliser or organic compost.

Side-Dressing: 

• About halfway through the growing season, apply additional fertiliser or compost to replenish nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests: 

• Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails.
• Employ organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil for aphids.
• Hand-pick slugs and snails or use beer traps to manage their populations.

Diseases: 

• Fungal diseases like root rot can occur if the soil is too soggy.
• Ensure good drainage and avoid overhead watering.

Crop Rotation: 

• Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Companions:

• Beans:
  • Benefits: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for celeriac and other nearby plants.
• Onions and Garlic:
  • Benefits: These alliums can help repel pests that are attracted to celeriac, such as aphids and certain root maggots.
• Tomatoes:
  • Benefits: Tomatoes can provide some shade, helping to keep the soil cooler, which is beneficial for celeriac during hot spells.
• Lettuce:
  • Benefits: Lettuce has shallow roots, allowing it to grow alongside celeriac without competing for the same soil depth.
• Marigolds:
  • Benefits: These flowers repel nematodes and other pests, creating a protective barrier around celeriac.
• Spinach:
  • Benefits: Like lettuce, spinach has shallow roots and can benefit from the nurturing environment that celeriac provides.
• Chives:
  • Benefits: Chives are effective at repelling pests, and their growth alongside celeriac can help protect it from aphids.

Plants to Avoid Near Celeriac

• Carrots:
  • Reason: Carrots and celeriac can compete for nutrients, leading to poor growth for both plants.
• Celery:
  • Reason: Growing celeriac alongside common celery can lead to competition for resources, as both plants have similar nutrient needs.
• Potatoes:
  • Reason: Potatoes can attract pests that may also affect celeriac, such as the potato beetle.
• Dill:
  • Reason: Dill can compete for space and nutrients, and it may attract pests that are detrimental to celeriac.

Harvesting

Timing: 

• Celeriac is usually ready to harvest 20 weeks after sowing, typically in late autumn through winter.

Signs of Readiness: 

• The roots should be between 10-15 cm in diameter, firm, and with a smooth surface.

Method: 

• Use a spade or fork to carefully lift the roots from the soil, trying to avoid damaging them.

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Trimming: 

• After harvesting, trim off the foliage but leave about 2-3 cm of stems attached to prevent moisture loss.

Storage: 

• Store celeriac in a cool, dark place (ideally around 0°C) or in the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper. It can stay fresh for several weeks if stored properly.