Celeriac
or TURNIP-ROOTED CELERY (Apium graveolens rapaceum). Biennial. A Turnip-rooted variety of the garden Celery. It is very useful for soups and similar purposes, is easy of cultivation, and tolerably certain as to producing a crop. The seed may be sown in the same way, and at the same time, as the ordinary Celery.
Cultivation. As soon as the seedlings are large enough, prick them off, about 3in. apart, in boxes or on a spent hotbed, and keep them there until they are of a good size, when they should be planted out about 1ft. apart in the open ground. They should have air to prevent them "drawing," and be gradually hardened off before planting. The soil can scarcely be too rich, and must be given plenty of water during the summer. Unlike the ordinary Celery, this variety does not require trenches, as the tops are seldom used. All lateral shoots and side roots should be removed from the tubers during the summer, if good large specimens are desired. Occasional hoeings and plenty of water will be the most that is necessary in after cultivation. The roots will be ready for use in autumn, and may be stored in a shed, or lifted from the ground when required for use. A little protection will be necessary if the latter plan is adopted. This crop materially helps the ordinary Celery, both for flavouring purposes and for separate dishes.