Celeriac, also known as celery root or turnip-rooted celery, is a unique and flavorful vegetable that is gaining popularity among gardeners. Its nutty taste and versatility in cooking make it a great addition to any kitchen. Growing celeriac in New Hampshire can be a rewarding endeavor, especially with the right techniques and care. This article will guide you through the steps needed to successfully cultivate this unique root vegetable in the Granite State.
Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) is a biennial plant that is primarily grown for its large, bulbous root. Unlike its leafy cousin, conventional celery, celeriac is more tolerant of cooler temperatures and has a longer growing season. It typically takes 90 to 120 days from seed planting to harvest, making it crucial for gardeners in New Hampshire to plan their growing season accordingly.
When selecting celeriac varieties for your garden, consider local climate conditions and your culinary preferences. Some popular varieties include:
Choose seeds or transplants from reputable seed suppliers who specialize in heirloom or organic varieties to ensure higher quality plants.
Celeriac thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. To ensure optimal growth:
Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test early in the season to determine nutrient levels and pH. You can obtain test kits from local extension services or agricultural colleges.
Amendments: Based on your soil test results, amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure.
Tilling: Loosen the soil by tilling it to a depth of about 12 inches, mixing in any amendments.
Select a sunny location for your celeriac plants; at least 6 hours of full sun per day is ideal. Ensure that the area has good air circulation to prevent disease issues later in the growing season.
In New Hampshire, celeriac is typically started indoors due to its long growing season requirements.
Starting Indoors: Sow seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost date (usually late March to early April). Use seed trays filled with seed-starting mix.
Transplanting: When seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves and are about 4-6 inches tall, they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed (around late May).
While starting seeds indoors offers an earlier start, you can also sow seeds directly into the garden after frost danger has passed:
Direct Seed: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep in rows spaced 18 inches apart.
Thinning: When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to ensure each plant has enough space (approximately 8-12 inches apart).
Celeriac requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season:
Frequency: Water deeply once or twice weekly depending on rainfall; avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize celeriac regularly for optimal growth:
Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) into the soil at planting time.
Ongoing Care: Use a liquid fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season to promote healthy root development.
Weeds compete with celeriac for nutrients and water; thus, controlling them is essential:
Hand Weeding: Regularly check for weeds and remove them by hand.
Mulching: As mentioned earlier, mulch not only conserves moisture but also helps suppress weeds.
Celeriac can be susceptible to various pests and diseases:
Aphids: These tiny insects may infest young plants; control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms: These larvae can cut seedlings off at the soil line; protect young plants using collars made from cardboard or plastic.
Root Rot: This fungal disease can occur in overly wet conditions; ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
Downy Mildew: This fungal issue appears as yellow spots on leaves; use fungicides if an outbreak occurs.
Regularly monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases so you can act quickly before damage occurs.
Harvest celeriac when roots are approximately 3 to 5 inches in diameter:
Timing: In New Hampshire, this usually occurs between late September and October.
Harvest Techniques: Use a garden fork to gently lift roots from the soil without damaging them. Shake off excess dirt but do not wash them until you are ready to use them.
Storage: Store harvested celeriac roots in a cool, dark place with high humidity (like your refrigerator’s crisper drawer) for several months.
Growing celeriac in New Hampshire can be an exciting challenge for gardeners looking to diversify their vegetable crops. With careful planning, attention to detail concerning soil preparation, watering, pest management, and harvesting practices, you can succeed at cultivating this unique root vegetable in your backyard garden. Enjoy the satisfaction of pulling up fresh celeriac roots—perfect for adding flavor to countless dishes throughout the winter months!