Monarch Celeriac Seeds 136

Description

Monarch Celeriac Seeds

Scientific Name: Apium graveolens var. rapaceum

Family: Carrot

Type: Hardy Annual

Native Range: Canada; Lower 48 States;

Hardiness Zones: 2-10; prefers to grow in colder climates and can withstand light frost (32°-34°); may become sweeter with cooler temperatures;

Soil Requirements: neutral pH roughly between 6-7; high in finished compost; may require boost of magnesium and/or calcium; mulching may be necessary to maintain moisture;

Light Preference: Full sun

Water: Maintain even level of moisture on a consistent basis for proper nutrient uptake; if celery does not get enough water on hot days, stalks will be dry and small;

Days until Germination: 14-21 days

Sowing: Sow monarch celeriac seeds indoors in flats, 6 seeds/in, 1/8″ deep; keep moist with soil temperature between 65°-75°; transplant at 10-12 weeks;

Plant Spacing: At true leaf stage, thin to 1″-2″; set outside after danger of frost, 10″-12″ apart and in rows 15″-18″ apart;

Plant Height: 20″-30″

Harvest: 100-150 days; harvest when crown of root is showing through soil, and is roughly 3″-4″ across; cut stems close to top of root, and use fork to lift out the celeriac; can withstand frost, but harvest before ground freezes; can store for 3-6 months;

Grows Well With: Leeks; scarlet runner beans; tomatoes; cauliflower; cabbage; bush beans;

Grows Poorly With: Corn; potatoes; aster flowers; carrots; parsley; parsnips;

Potential Problems: Sprawling stalks; aphids; cutworms; whiteflies; bolting; mosaic virus; fusarium wilt;