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Celeriac

Apium graveolens rapaceum
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Apium graveolens rapaceum (Celeriac) — botanical photograph
Pl. B548 — Apium graveolens rapaceum
Apium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceumApium graveolens rapaceum
I

Overview

Celeriac (Apium graveolens rapaceum) is a biennial herb known for its edible root and leaves. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and parts of Europe, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is often propagated by sowing seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors. The root, which is the most commonly used part of the plant, can be harvested after the second year. Celeriac's distinctive feature lies in its knobby, bulbous root, making it a unique addition to gardens and kitchens alike. Cultivated in light to medium soil, celeriac prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7 and requires moist conditions. It is best sown indoors about 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors, and should be spaced approximately 30cm apart. Hardy from zones 5 to 9, celeriac is a biennial that grows up to 0.6m in height. It thrives in light conditions of 7/10 and requires moist soil for optimal growth. In traditional European herbal medicine, celeriac has been used to support digestive health, particularly for alleviating symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Its carminative properties are thought to aid in the relief of gastrointestinal discomfort. The root, leaves, and seeds are all edible, with the root being the most commonly used part. While celeriac is generally safe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Quick answers

What is Celeriac?

Celeriac (Apium graveolens rapaceum) is a biennial herb known for its edible root and leaves. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and parts of Europe, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.

What is Celeriac used for?

Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Celeriac
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

1 claim · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Celeriac has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, particularly for alleviating symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Its carminative properties are thought to aid in the relief of gastrointestinal discomfort.

    The mechanism involves compounds such as flavonoids and essential oils that interact with smooth muscle tissues in the gut, promoting relaxation and reducing spasms.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestion
tincture
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Celeriac thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. It is best sown indoors about 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors. The plant requires moist conditions and should be spaced approximately 30cm apart. Hardy from zones 5 to 9, celeriac is a biennial that grows up to 0.6m in height. Ensure it receives adequate light for optimal growth.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Propagation
"Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors
Spacing
30cm
For first-time growers

How to grow Celeriac for the first time

8steps

Start with easy-to-grow celeriac for a beginner gardener.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, small pots or trays, compost, outdoor garden bed, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Sow seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Prepare a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter. Ensure containers are at least 30cm deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Plant seeds about 5mm deep in small pots, keeping them moist until germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to prevent leaf burn.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune away any dead leaves to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too early in cold soil, neglecting mulching, not providing enough space between plants.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRootSeed
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

53 native · 91 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 53 native· 91 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (6)FinlandHungaryNorwayRussiaSwedenSwitzerland
Asia21 regions
native (12)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstanOmanPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistanYemen
introduced (9)BangladeshChinaIndiaMongoliaMyanmarNepalTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas8 regions
introduced (8)Costa RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorGuatemalaHaitiPeruPuerto Rico
Africa13 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (9)BotswanaCabo VerdeCameroonEgyptEritreaEthiopiaLesothoMozambiqueNamibia
Broader regions
native:Gulf States, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Nova Scotia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Amsterdam-St.Paul Is, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Bermuda, Brazil South, Buryatiya, California, Cape Provinces, Chatham Is., Chile North, Chile South, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Florida, Free State, Hainan, Idaho, Juan Fernández Is., Kirgizstan, KwaZulu-Natal, Louisiana, Marianas, Marshall Is., Maryland, Masachusettes, Mexico Northwest, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Is., North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Réunion, Sinai, Socotra, South Carolina, South Dakota, St.Helena, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, Utah, Washington, West Virginia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Apium graveolens rapaceum (Celeriac) — botanical photograph
Celeriac (Apium graveolens rapaceum)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

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