[AlaninCarlisle]

I've now decided that the secret of my surprise crop of bumper celeriac last month was the length of their time in the ground. I've therefore started some seeds earlier than normal in the heated propagator with a view to planting out sturdy seedlings by the end of April to give them a good 8 or 9 months before harvesting.

Anyone else doing likewise?

[mumofstig]

I remember that they took ages to germinate, so an early sowing could well be the answer to success 

[Mrs Bee]

I've now decided that the secret of my surprise crop of bumper celeriac last month was the length of their time in the ground. I've therefore started some seeds earlier than normal in the heated propagator with a view to planting out sturdy seedlings by the end of April to give them a good 8 or 9 months before harvesting.

Anyone else doing likewise?

Yep. I always do that.

[Christine]

As per your suggestion but remember that they are gluttons for good soil and water ... and having the leaves well pruned I'm told.

[AlaninCarlisle]

Yes, I'm forgetting the other factor that probably contributed to the surprise harvest. We have three geriatric and incontinent Shetlands. I doubt the soil could get any richer 

[Robster]

I had been growing these, not too well for a couple of years.  My plot neighbour always has a tremendous crop.  And he told me what he does which I'm doing this year.  Start early in a propagator (February for me),  Pot on and keep frost free (cool greenhouse for me).  Plant out when all frost is over.  Keep well watered.  I noticed last year that a lot of growth came on at the end of the year November/December.

[Snoop]

Well, I'll be getting my celeriac going now, then. The seed packet instructions obviously leave things too late (I'm starting to doubt the usefulness of packet instructions). Thanks for mentioning this, AlaninCarlisle.

[Eblana]

I sowed mine on 2nd March and they are up nicely now.  They are still too tiny to prick out but as soon as they are big enough they will be going in pots in my frost free greenhouse.

[Mrs Bee]

Well, I'll be getting my celeriac going now, then. The seed packet instructions obviously leave things too late (I'm starting to doubt the usefulness of packet instructions). Thanks for mentioning this, AlaninCarlisle.

Many of the seed packets don't tell you not to cover the seeds with compost as they need light to germinate. Thank goodness for the internet.

Mine are nearly ready for pricking out.