Common Name: Celeriac

General Information

Apium graveolens rapaceum is a cultivated form of the wild celery, producing several fleshy, leafy stems from a swollen rootstock. It can grow up to 100cm tall when flowering in its second year, but is usually harvested at the end of its first year of growth.
Celeriac has been selected especially for its enlarged edible root. It is occasionally cultivated commercially but is more often grown on a smaller scale in the garden or allotment[, ]

Known Hazards

If the plant is infected with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[].

Botanical References

Range

A cultivated form of garden origin

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the temperate zone, where it is found mainly at low elevations. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 25°c, but can tolerate 7 - 26°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -5°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 1,200mm, but tolerates 700 - 1,700mm[].
Prefers a rich moist soil and an open sunny situation[, , , ]. Requires abundant moisture in the growing season otherwise the root will be small and tough[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 6.8, tolerating 5.3 - 8.3[].
Celeriac is a form of Apium graveolens that has been selected for its enlarged edible root. It is occasionally cultivated commercially but more often in the garden or allotment[, ], there are some named varieties[].
Any side-shoots should be removed in order to encourage a larger root[].
The root is hardy to about -12°c and can be left in the ground over winter, to be harvested as required[]. Roots can also be stored in boxes of sand or other such material in a cool dry shed[].
Yields of 14 - 16 tonnes of roots per hectare can be expected[].
A good companion plant for leeks, tomatoes, French beans and brassicas[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - used as a flavouring in soups etc[]. They can be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour[].

Seed - a flavouring. An essential oil from the seed is also used as a flavouring.

Root - raw or cooked[, , ]. It can be grated and added to salads, baked or added to soups, stews etc[].

Medicinal

Although not as medicinally active as wild celery, the cultivated forms of celery also have the same medicinal properties and, when used as an item of the diet, will have a similar effect upon the body. These medicinal uses are as follows:-

Wild celery has a long history of medicinal and food use. it is an aromatic bitter tonic herb that reduces blood pressure, relieves indigestion, stimulates the uterus and is anti-inflammatory[].

The ripe seeds, herb and root are aperient, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, nervine, stimulant and tonic[, , , ]. Wild celery is said to be useful in cases of hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence[].
The herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women[].
Seeds purchased for cultivation purposes are often dressed with a fungicide, they should not be used for medicinal purposes[].

The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[].
The whole plant is harvested when fruiting and is usually liquidized to extract the juice[].
The seeds are harvested as they ripen and are dried for later use[].

An essential oil obtained from the plant has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Some of its constituents have antispasmodic, sedative and anticonvulsant actions. It has been shown to be of value in treating high blood pressure[].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the herb[]. It is used in treating rheumatism and kidney complaints[].

Other Uses

The growing plant is an insect repellent, it repels the cabbage white butterfly so is a good companion for brassicas[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow late winter in a greenhouse. The maincrop can be sown as late as mid spiring. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. Plant out in late spring. The seed can harbour certain diseases of celery, it is usually treated by seed companies before being sold but if you save your own seed you should make sure that only seed from healthy plants is used[].