Rex Pelleted Celeriac

CELERIAC for processing or fresh market

Approx. 15,000 plants per acre; 50,000 seeds per oz./28 g

GREENHOUSE: In short season areas, sow seed indoors like celery about Mar. 1st. at 6 seeds per in./25 mm; 1/16 in./2 mm deep, cover with fine soil and firm, keep moist. Seeds germinate in 10 - 21 days at alternating soil temps. of 65 - 75°F/l 8 - 24°C. Do not allow soil to dry out - or it will delay germination. After seedlings appear, grow at 61°F/l 8°C. Do not allow temp. to drop to 55°F/13°C or lower - it may cause "seeders". Transplant into 2 1/4 in./6 cm peat pots or flats, about 10 weeks after seeding, when seedlings are about 3 in./8 cm tall.

TRANSPLANT into the field after hardening them slightly by withholding water occasionally - 7 days before setting plants outside. Never lower air temp. below 55°F/13°C. Set plants outside in rows 30 - 36 in./76 - 91 cm. apart. Space plants at least 6 in./l 5 cm. apart. Keep well watered and use a fungicide once a week.

OUTDOOR SEEDING: Most growers sow the seed outdoors Apr. 15th.- May 1st. at 3 seeds per in./25 mm; 1/16 in./2 mm deep, cover and firm. Sow in rows 6 - 8 in./l 5 - 20 cm apart in a seed bed of fine soil. Use a bit of radish seed to mark the row and prevent crusting. Seed germinates slowly in about 10 - 15 days. Thin seedlings to 6 in./15 cm apart.

HARVEST: Round turnip roots are harvested when they are 2 in/5 cm in diameter. They require no blanching, and have a pleasant nut - like flavor.

STORAGE: Cut the tops off and cover the roots with sand in a cool place at 35 - 40°F./2 - 4°C. Do not store with onions or other pungent vegetables, as roots may absorb foreign flavors.

USE: Serve cubed or boiled in soups or stews. Celeriac can be used in salads, it imparts the combined flavors of parsley and celery.

SMALLER GROWERS: Sow indoors in 2 1/4 in./6 cm. pots Apr. 1st. Soak seeds in a paper towel at 70°F/21°C for a few days to speed up germination. Plant 2 sprouts per pot. Thin to the strongest seedling about 4 weeks later. Set plants outdoors after day and night air and ground temps. are above 55°F/13°C. Space plants as above.