Giant Prague Celeriac (Apium Graveolens), also known as celery root or knob celery, is a robust and versatile root vegetable prized for its mild, earthy flavor and its culinary versatility. These 500 premium seeds allow gardeners to cultivate this heirloom variety, known for producing large, smooth, and flavorful roots. Celeriac is perfect for those who love growing unique, nutritious vegetables with a rich history. Whether you are growing it for its distinct flavor in soups, salads, or as a roasted vegetable, this variety is a great addition to your garden.
Key Features:
- 500 High-Quality Seeds: A generous amount of seeds to help you start your own crop of Giant Prague Celeriac for a bountiful harvest.
- Versatile Vegetable: Celeriac can be used raw in salads, grated into slaws, or cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, boiling, and mashing.
- Flavor Profile: It has a mild, celery-like flavor with a nutty, earthy undertone, making it a perfect ingredient for a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, and root vegetable medleys.
- Heirloom Variety: Giant Prague is a classic, non-hybrid heirloom variety, ensuring that you can save seeds from year to year for future gardening seasons.
- High Yield: This variety produces large, hearty roots, giving you a plentiful harvest. The roots can grow to be quite large and are perfect for storing over winter.
- Nutrient-Rich: Celeriac is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, making it a healthy and nourishing addition to your diet.
Growing Information:
- Light Requirements: Celeriac prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. For best results, ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil Preferences: This vegetable thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Celeriac prefers loose, rich soil that is high in organic matter to support its large root growth.
-
Planting Tips:
- Start Indoors: Begin by sowing Celeriac seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Sprinkle the seeds lightly on the surface of seed-starting soil and keep them moist. Celeriac seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.
- Transplanting: After the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have grown strong enough to handle, transplant them outdoors, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their full root development.
- Direct Sowing: In warmer climates, you can sow Celeriac seeds directly outdoors once the soil temperature reaches at least 50°F (10°C). Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and thin the seedlings to about 12-18 inches apart as they grow.
- Watering Needs: Celeriac prefers consistently moist soil, so regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Be sure to water deeply, allowing the soil to remain moist but not waterlogged.
- Temperature: Celeriac thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for temperate climates. It grows best when daytime temperatures range from 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C).
- Pruning: Regular thinning of seedlings and removing any unwanted plants will help ensure that the remaining plants have enough space to grow large, healthy roots.
Benefits:
- Nutrient-Dense: Celeriac is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber. It is also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to various dishes.
- Culinary Uses: The unique flavor of Celeriac is perfect for raw or cooked dishes. It can be used in soups, stews, mashed as a side dish, or shredded into salads and slaws.
- Long Shelf Life: Celeriac has a long storage life compared to many other root vegetables. It can be stored in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for several months after harvesting, making it ideal for winter cooking.
- Winter Harvest: Celeriac is an excellent vegetable for fall and winter gardening. It can be harvested late in the season and is perfect for preserving and cooking during colder months.
- Improves Soil: As a member of the celery family, Celeriac can help improve soil health by breaking up heavy, compacted soil with its deep-growing root system.
Growing Zones:
Giant Prague Celeriac is best suited for USDA Zones 4-9, where it can grow through the cooler months of the year. It tolerates light frosts and is perfect for late-season gardening.
How to Use in the Garden:
- Vegetable Garden: Celeriac makes an excellent addition to any vegetable garden. Plant it in rows with ample space for root development, and rotate with other vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and beans to promote healthy soil.
- Companion Planting: Celeriac grows well alongside other root vegetables, such as carrots and beets. It can also be planted near herbs like parsley and thyme, which help to repel pests.
- Edible Landscaping: With its attractive, feathery green foliage and large root system, Celeriac can be integrated into an edible landscape or herb garden, where it can provide both beauty and a harvestable crop.
- Sustainable Growing: Celeriac is a low-maintenance vegetable that thrives in a wide range of conditions. It requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Conclusion:
Giant Prague Celeriac is a must-have for gardeners looking to grow unique, versatile vegetables that offer both culinary and nutritional benefits. With its mild, earthy flavor, high yield, and ability to store well for winter, this heirloom variety is an excellent addition to any vegetable garden. Whether you're looking to add it to soups, stews, or salads, or simply want to enjoy its hearty root harvest during colder months, Celeriac is a rewarding and low-maintenance crop that will thrive in your garden. The 500 seeds in this packet provide you with all the potential you need to enjoy a successful harvest year after year.