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You can help but feel how underated celeriac and the cultivation of celeriac is . This amazing crop is multidimensional in the sense that it can be used in the preparation of different meals.
Lovers of nutritious and healthy salad who are not totally swayed by the beauty would totally want to cultivating this sumptuous vegetable.
This article explains everything you need to know concerning the growing and cultivation of celeriac from seed, their nature and historical significance to their varieties,
how they can be harvested and most importantly celeriac pest and diseases. Many are not sure of what variety of celeriac to cultivate, this article is all the clarity you need.
How do I grow celeriac from seed?
To enjoy this versatile vegetable you will need to start planting indoors during the spring period for about 10 weeks after the last recorded frost date. Before you start planting indoors you will need to get a tray or a pot and fill it with enriched soil and quality potting mix.
To begin with, plant the seeds one quarter each deep. Place a burlap around the seedling area to keep the soil moist until the plants grow. When the plants grow up to 5 inches tall,
they should be thinned and transplanted into the garden. They should be spaced in rows 62- 74 cm apart. Whenever you notice the soil is drying up,water carefully and properly to avoid wilting and death.
When should I plant celeriac?
Growing of celeriac In cold regions should be done in spring time; when the days of frost is way passed; while in warmer regions should be grown at summer time, so as to take shape in the cool weather.
Due to the slow growth nature of this veggie, it is often grown from transplant. Endeavor to sow the seeds indoors as early as two months before the last recorded frost date.
It requires up to three months before it could be harvested. A crop meant for the summer can be grown in the garden as there will be room for a another harvest.
Why are my celeriac so small?
1# The seedlings were not pricked or thinned
Young plants take a while to grow ranging from 11 or 12 weeks from the time you sowed to the time you transplanted .
The little seeds need to be sown properly and thinned in time or sow them in individual pots . They will grow up to fight for sunlight, root space, and will become leggy and very small.
2# The plants are closely grown to each other
Celeriac roots will fight for space and their foilage will require space to develop.
Damage caused by snail slogs, wind, and frost to the seedlings. While The mature ones most likely are frost resistant, the seeds should be taken outdoors once confirmed the time of frost is passed.
Celeriac thrive in sheltered environment, as strong winds can inhibit their growth. Slugs are also the most common pest that disturb the celeriac plant. They eat deep into celeriac leaves and will affect seedlings greatly.
3# Low amount of water
Not watering the plant properly is a habit that could only lead to reduced size. It’s marshy like nature makes it suitable for growing in a boggy environment. This can only be solved by Continuous and adequate watering of the Cardon up until harvest.
4# The soil is not rich and lacking nutrients
Celeriac eats quite a lot and needs enough amount of organic fertilizer and matter during the time of cultivation.
5# You are impatient
Patience they say is truly a virtue and can be applied in this case. Celeriac starts mature in late summer and will need time to grow into the plant you desire.
Can you eat celeriac leaves?
They are infact as tasty as the stems or roots. When chopped well can be used to garnish or flavor your stocks and soups. It’s no news that they are grown for their fantastic roots but when freshly washed and picked the leaves can be edible as well.
Surprising they have be grown in medieval times for medicinal purposes and it’s leaves have been consumed as a vegetable for thousands of years now. In all whatever dish you wish to prepare, it’s important to wash and use the whole plant.
The leaves go as a topping, not overlooking it’s nutritional value to the human body as well as other plants.
How do you know when celeriac is ready for harvest?
Celeriac should be fit for harvest from late summer time. You will get a better flavor if it is left in the ground for a little longer.
The ascertaining feature of a celeriac plant ready for harvest is the shoulders of the root become visible and robust above the ground at about 3 – 5 inches in diameter. With the aid of a fork lift each root lightly.
How do you freeze celeriac?
Celeriacs are viable and can maintain good taste for a long time, but they have to be preserved properly. Here are steps to take :
Wash properly and cut into medium sized pieces, depending on what you intend on using it for. It’s essential that you wash well as celeriac has a lot of dirt to be cleaned off. Peel the outer layer of the celeriac and trim it’s little shoots.
After cutting the celeriac into suitable portions, fill a pot with water and boil it . When boiled add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the water.
Thereafter, put the celeriac in a blanching basket and slowly put it into the boiling water and leave it for 5 minutes.
Drain the water out of the celeriac with paper towels. Once you notice that they are totally dried , separate it into portions according to how you want to use them and put them into reseable bags.
The bags should be made air tight immediately the celeriac are placed in them. Finally place them in the hydrator part of the refrigerator or better still the freezer.
Conclusion
Many might be put off growing celeriac due past experiences with other vegetables. They require a bit of work ,but for that work you get an amazing and charismatic vegetable.
Reference
- Germination and the Initial Seedling Growth of Lettuce, Celeriac and Wheat Cultivars after Micronutrient and a Biological Application Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment
- How to Grow Celeriac
