314 Handbook of herbs and spices
17.2 Production.......................................................................................
17.2.1 Soil
Celeriac grows on soil that is deep, rich and moisture holding, but well drained.
Although celeriac is a moisture-loving plant, in fact a semi-aquatic, it will not thrive
in waterlogged soil conditions. A good well-drained sandy loam or silt loam soil is
ideal for this crop. Clayey soils that are prone to water logging should be avoided. It
thrives well on a soil having a pH range of 5.5–6.7.
17.2.2 Climate
It is an autumn or early winter vegetable which thrives best when the weather is
relatively cool and with moderately well distributed rainfall during the growing
season. It is less sensitive to heat and drought than celery, but more sensitive than
most garden vegetables. It has good frost tolerance.
17.2.3 Varieties
Monarch is an excellent, high quality variety, which has very smooth, easily washable,
creamy coloured roots. It is easier to grow than celery and can be grated raw over
salads, cut into slices and boiled, or into strips which are fried.
17.2.4 Propagation
It is propagated through seeds. It requires a 120-day growing season. It can be
cultivated in two ways either by transplantation or direct sowing.
Transplantation
Seeds are sown in early March in boxes in greenhouses or hot beds at a temperature
of 20–25 ∞C. The required seed rate is about 200–250 gm per hectare (100,734
seeds). The seed is sown thinly to facilitate pricking out on transplanting and to
encourage stocky plants. Seeds germinate in 21–25 days. When the plant has grown
six to nine centimetres high, it is transplanted into the garden, usually at the beginning
of June. Plants must be carefully trimmed before planting. Trimming allows sunlight
to reach the soil, keep the surface dry and reduce damping off losses. Transplanting
outdoors is usually done in late spring. Cool weather is desirable at planting time.
Plants are spaced 20–30 cm apart in rows placed at 60 cm apart.
Direct sowing
In mild climates, it may be direct seeded. Seeds are sown about half a centimetre
deep and the seed bed is kept moist until the seedlings emerge. They are planted at
a spacing similar to the transplanted crop.
17.2.5 Manures and fertilizers
The crop responds well to the application of manures and fertilizers. On medium
soils, it should be applied with 10–12 t of compost or farmyard manure, 200 kg of
nitrogen, 60 kg of phosphorus and 50 kg of potassium per hectare. The organic
manure along with 50% nitrogen and entire dose of phosphorus and potassium is