Celeriac can be grown in Arkansas, but it won't be easy. If you have tried growing celery
and had success, you may have an easier time. I doubt you will be able to find
transplants, so you will need to start seed in either a cold frame or inside
soon. When the plants are two to three inches tall, transplant them into the
garden. They have the best flavor if they are exposed to frost in the fall,
which makes for a long growing season. The roots can be harvested at any stage,
but are best in the early winter. They are not particularly heat tolerant, but
will survive provided with ample moisture. Mulching will also help modify soil
temperature. There is a very active herb society in central Arkansas. They will
be hosting their annual plant sale, April 10 at the River Market from7 am until
3. They should have a great variety of fresh herb plants as well as tons of
information.
I used to live in Europe where they ate a lot of celeriac (root celery) in their
salads. I am curious if you know of anyone who grows it or has grown it in
Arkansas. I suspect that it is one of those vegetables which might be started in
the summer and then harvested in the colder months like November and December. I
would like to know the optimum starting time for this vegetable. If you know
nothing about it, I would be glad to experiment with it and share with you my
results. I would also like to experiment with various herbs. Thanks.