Crop type: Celeriac
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum ‘Monarch’
Common name: Celeriac ‘Monarch’
Crop slug: celeriac
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Monarch’ is a high-quality celeriac producing smooth, creamy swollen stems with a distinctive flattened-round shape. Its succulent flesh has a subtle nutty flavour. The crop can be harvested from September onward and stores well, extending its usefulness through the colder months.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Ultimate spread
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Time to ultimate size
- 1–2 years
For vegetable production it is normally lifted during the first annual growing cycle.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Loam and sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral or alkaline
Rich, moisture-retentive soil helps the creamy stem develop without interruption.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- South- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H4 — hardy through an average UK winter
A sunny sheltered position supports steady growth and allows mature plants to stand into cool weather.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
No seasonal colour values are assigned. The cultivar is identified at harvest by its smooth creamy skin, flattened-round form and columnar green foliage.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar and upright
- Name status
- Accepted
- Breeder
- Michael John Day
- Potentially harmful
- Plant sap may harm skin in sunlight; wear gloves and protective clothing when handling
Genus
Apium includes annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous plants with divided or pinnate leaves and tiny white summer flowers in umbels.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter before planting. Sow indoors in March and transplant outside in May when conditions are mild, keeping the crown at soil level and moisture consistent.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, started indoors for the long season.
Pruning
No pruning is required. Fallen outer leaves may be removed as part of routine crop care.
Pests
Plants may be susceptible to carrot fly and celery leaf-mining fly.
Diseases
Plants may be susceptible to celery leaf spot.