Top 20 Varieties of Celeriac to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a cool-season vegetable prized for its large, knobby root that has a mild, celery-like flavor. Unlike regular celery, celeriac is grown for its edible root, which is perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding to soups and stews. It’s a nutrient-rich, low-calorie vegetable, making it a healthy and versatile addition to the garden. Celeriac requires a long growing season and benefits from consistent moisture, but with the right care, it can reward you with a rich harvest of delicious roots. Here’s your guide to the top 20 celeriac varieties to grow, with helpful tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Celeriac Varieties to Grow

1. Brilliant

• Tips: Brilliant grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and prevent cracking.
• Facts: This variety produces large, smooth roots with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 110-120 days and is perfect for roasting or mashing.

2. Giant Prague

• Tips: Giant Prague thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to ensure even root development.
• Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, round roots with a mild, nutty flavor. It matures in about 120 days and is ideal for soups, stews, or roasting.

3. Monarch

• Tips: Monarch prefers full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots from becoming tough.
• Facts: Known for its smooth, uniform roots, Monarch has a sweet, mild flavor and tender texture. It matures in about 110-120 days and is great for fresh eating or cooking.

4. Prinz

• Tips: Prinz thrives in cool weather and full sun. Water regularly to keep the roots tender and sweet.
• Facts: This early-maturing variety produces medium-sized, smooth roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.

5. Alabaster

• Tips: Alabaster grows well in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to ensure smooth, tender roots.
• Facts: This variety produces large, white roots with a creamy texture and mild flavor. It matures in about 100-110 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

6. Ibis

• Tips: Ibis prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the roots tender and prevent cracking.
• Facts: Known for its smooth, round roots, Ibis has a sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture. It’s perfect for soups, stews, or roasting.

7. Balena

• Tips: Balena grows best in full sun and loose, moist soil. Water regularly to prevent the roots from becoming tough.
• Facts: This variety produces medium-sized, round roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 120 days and is great for roasting or mashing.

8. Diamant

• Tips: Diamant thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and smooth.
• Facts: This variety produces large, smooth roots with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, mashing, or adding to soups.

9. Mars

• Tips: Mars prefers full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly to ensure even root development and prevent cracking.
• Facts: This variety produces large, round roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 120 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

10. Dolvi

• Tips: Dolvi grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and sweet.
• Facts: Known for its uniform roots, Dolvi has a mild, nutty flavor and tender texture. It’s ideal for roasting, mashing, or adding to soups.

11. Brilliant White

• Tips: Brilliant White thrives in full sun and loose, moist soil. Water regularly to prevent the roots from becoming tough.
• Facts: This variety produces large, smooth white roots with a mild flavor. It matures in about 120 days and is perfect for roasting or fresh eating.

12. Nevada

• Tips: Nevada grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and smooth.
• Facts: This variety produces medium-sized roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.

13. President

• Tips: President prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the roots tender and prevent cracking.
• Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, smooth roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 110-120 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

14. Rowena

• Tips: Rowena grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the roots from becoming tough.
• Facts: This variety produces smooth, round roots with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 120 days and is great for roasting or mashing.

15. Brilliant Red

• Tips: Brilliant Red thrives in full sun and loose, fertile soil. Water regularly to ensure even root development.
• Facts: This unique variety produces reddish-brown roots with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for adding a colorful twist to roasted or mashed dishes.

16. Tullus

• Tips: Tullus prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and smooth.
• Facts: This variety produces medium-sized, round roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, roasting, or adding to soups.

17. Alabaster White

• Tips: Alabaster White grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the roots tender and prevent cracking.
• Facts: Known for its smooth, white roots, this variety has a sweet, mild flavor and creamy texture, perfect for roasting or mashing.

18. Maxim

• Tips: Maxim thrives in full sun and loose, fertile soil. Water consistently to prevent the roots from becoming tough.
• Facts: This variety produces large, round roots with a sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 120 days and is ideal for roasting or adding to soups.

19. Brilliant Gold

• Tips: Brilliant Gold grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and smooth.
• Facts: This variety produces large, smooth golden roots with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, roasting, or mashing.

20. Brilliant Green

• Tips: Brilliant Green prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even root development.
• Facts: This variety produces smooth, green-skinned roots with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, roasting, or adding to stews.

Common Questions About Growing Celeriac

Q: When should I plant celeriac?
A: Celeriac is a cool-season crop and should be started indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost in spring. Transplant the seedlings outside once the soil has warmed and there is no longer a risk of frost.

Q: Can I grow celeriac in containers?
A: Yes, celeriac can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and water regularly to keep the roots tender.

Q: How long does celeriac take to grow?
A: Celeriac typically takes 90-120 days to mature, depending on the variety. It’s important to give the plants plenty of time to develop large, flavorful roots.

Q: How do I know when celeriac is ready to harvest?
A: Celeriac is ready to harvest when the roots are about 3-4 inches in diameter, and the foliage begins to yellow. Gently dig around the roots to lift them from the soil, taking care not to damage the root.

Q: How do I store harvested celeriac?
A: Freshly harvested celeriac can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, it can be kept in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as a root cellar, where it can last for several months.