How to Grow Celery

Celery is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in your own backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow celery. From seed to harvest, we’ll guide you through each step of the process. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

When to Start Celery

Before you start growing celery, it’s important to know when to begin. Celery is a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C). It can tolerate light frost, making it suitable for early spring and fall planting. To determine when to start celery, you can refer to the average last frost date in your area.

When starting celery from seeds, it’s recommended to begin indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. This allows the seedlings to establish and develop before being transplanted outdoors. Celery seeds are very small and should be sown on the surface of the soil mix, as they require light to germinate. Once the seeds have sprouted, they can be thinned to ensure proper spacing for healthy growth.

Celery plants thrive in rich, moist soil that is well-draining. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy celery growth. It’s also important to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season, as celery has shallow roots that can dry out quickly in hot weather. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations, ensuring optimal conditions for your celery crop.

How to Grow Celery From Seed

Growing celery from seed is a cost-effective way to start your celery plants. Here’s how to do it:

Start by filling a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining potting mix.
Sow the celery seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down.
Keep the soil evenly moist and place the tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
The seeds will germinate in about 2 to 3 weeks. Once they have sprouted, move the tray or pots to a bright location where they will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
After the seedlings have reached a height of 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm), thin them out to the desired spacing.

Celery, known scientifically as Apium graveolens, is a cool-season vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a biennial plant that is typically grown as an annual for its edible stalks. Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw, added to salads, soups, stews, and used as a flavoring agent in various dishes.

When growing celery from seed, it is essential to provide consistent moisture to ensure proper germination and growth. Celery plants prefer rich, fertile soil that is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Additionally, celery is a heavy feeder and will benefit from regular applications of balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.

How and When to Transplant Celery

Transplanting celery seedlings into the garden is a crucial step in the growing process. Here’s what you need to know:

Celery, a cool-season vegetable, thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight. It is best to transplant celery seedlings outdoors when the soil temperature reaches around 50°F (10°C) and after the last frost date in your area. This typically falls in early spring for most regions.

Prepare the garden bed by removing any weeds and loosening the soil.
Make trenches in the soil that are about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep and 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
Carefully remove the celery seedlings from the seed tray or pots, making sure to keep the roots intact.
Place the seedlings in the trenches, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart.
Backfill the trenches with soil, covering the seedlings up to their first set of leaves.

When transplanting celery, it’s important to water the seedlings well both before and after transplanting to help reduce transplant shock. Additionally, consider using a balanced fertilizer to provide the young plants with the nutrients they need to establish strong root systems.

How to Plant Celery – Spacing and Patterns

Proper spacing is essential for healthy celery plants and optimal yields. Here’s how to plant celery:

Space the celery plants 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
You can also plant celery in a grid pattern, with each plant spaced 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart in all directions.
Ensure that the plants have enough room to grow and receive adequate sunlight and airflow.

When planting celery, it’s important to consider the soil quality and composition. Celery thrives in rich, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

In addition to proper spacing, celery plants benefit from consistent watering. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather, to prevent the plants from becoming stressed and bolting to seed prematurely. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations.

How Long to Grow Celery

Celery is a slow-growing vegetable that requires a long growing season. On average, it takes about 16 to 18 weeks for celery to reach maturity. However, this can vary depending on the variety you’re growing.

It’s important to be patient and provide the necessary care throughout the growing process. Regular watering, fertilizing, and pest management will help your celery plants thrive and reach their full potential.

When it comes to planting celery, it’s best to start indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Celery seeds are tiny and require light for germination, so it’s recommended to sprinkle them on top of the soil and lightly press them in. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden.

One interesting fact about celery is that it is a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). If temperatures rise above 75°F (24°C) during the growing season, celery may bolt and become bitter. To prevent this, consider planting celery in a location that receives partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

How to Water Celery

Celery has specific watering requirements to ensure healthy growth and prevent common problems such as bolting and splitting. Here’s how to water celery:

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Celery needs about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of water per week.
Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can promote diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plants.
Consider using a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to provide a steady supply of water directly to the root zone.

When watering celery, it’s important to consider the time of day. Watering in the morning allows the plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day, reducing the risk of evaporation and ensuring the celery has ample hydration to thrive. Additionally, watering in the morning helps prevent fungal diseases that can develop when foliage remains wet for extended periods.

Another useful tip for watering celery is to mulch around the plants. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reduces weed growth that competes for water, and provides a buffer against extreme temperature fluctuations. Organic mulches like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings not only conserve moisture but also break down over time, enriching the soil with essential nutrients for celery plants to flourish.

How to Fertilize Celery

Fertilizing celery is important to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Here’s how to fertilize celery:

Before planting, incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil.
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula, according to the package instructions.
Side-dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or blood meal, once they have established.
Repeat the side-dressing every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the growing season.

Sunlight Requirements for Celery

Celery thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Providing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day will ensure healthy growth and good yields. If you’re growing celery in a hot climate, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent the plants from wilting.

Soil Requirements for Celery

Choosing the right soil for celery is crucial for its success. Here are the soil requirements for celery:

Celery prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and moisture-holding capacity.
Avoid compacted or heavy clay soils, as they can hinder root development and lead to stunted plants.

How to Grow Celery Outdoors

Growing celery outdoors is a popular choice for many gardeners. Here’s how to grow celery in your garden:

Choose a sunny location in your garden that has well-draining soil.
Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and incorporating organic matter.
Start celery from seed or purchase seedlings from a reputable nursery.
Follow the steps for growing celery from seed or transplanting celery seedlings, as mentioned earlier in this article.

How to Grow Celery Indoors

Growing celery indoors allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown celery year-round, regardless of the weather outside. Here’s how to grow celery indoors:

Start by selecting a suitable container with drainage holes.
Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
Sow the celery seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down.
Keep the soil evenly moist and place the container in a sunny location.
Care for the celery seedlings as you would outdoors, providing regular watering and fertilizing.

How to Grow Celery In Containers and Pots

Growing celery in containers and pots is a great option for those with limited space or for gardeners who want to move their plants around. Here’s how to grow celery in containers:

Choose a container that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and wide.
Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
Sow the celery seeds or transplant celery seedlings into the container.
Place the container in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water and fertilize the celery plants regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist.

Best and Most Popular Celery Varieties

There are many celery varieties available, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Here are some of the best and most popular celery varieties:

Giant Pascal: This variety produces large, crisp stalks and is a favorite for cooking and juicing.
Golden Self-Blanching: Known for its yellow leaves and stalks, this variety is easy to grow and has a milder flavor.
Tango: Tango celery is a newer variety that is disease-resistant and has a compact habit, making it suitable for container gardening.
Utah 52-70: A popular variety for home gardeners, Utah 52-70 produces tender, flavorful stalks and is known for its disease resistance.

Celery Companion Plants – What to Plant With & Not Plant With Celery

Companion planting can help improve the growth and health of your celery plants. Here are some companion plants that are beneficial for celery:

Onions: Onions repel pests and can help deter insects that may attack celery.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, helping to keep your celery plants pest-free.
Tomatoes: Planting celery near tomatoes can help repel the whitefly, a common pest for both plants.

On the other hand, there are plants that should be avoided when planting with celery:

Carrots: Carrots and celery have similar growing requirements and can compete for nutrients and space.
Parsley: Parsley and celery are in the same family and can cross-pollinate, resulting in bitter-tasting celery.

Common Celery Pests and Diseases

While celery is generally a low-maintenance plant, it can still be susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect your celery plants:

Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the celery plants, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control aphids.
Leaf miners: Leaf miners create tunnels in the celery leaves, resulting in brown or white trails. Remove affected leaves and use sticky traps to catch adult leaf miners.
Septoria leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots with yellow halos on the celery leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a copper fungicide to prevent further spreading.
Blackheart: Blackheart is a physiological disorder characterized by blackened or rotting celery stalks. It often occurs due to calcium deficiency or irregular watering. Maintain consistent watering and ensure adequate calcium levels in the soil.

How & When to Harvest Celery

Knowing when and how to harvest celery is crucial for optimal flavor and texture. Here’s how to harvest celery:

Celery can be harvested when the stalks reach a desirable size, typically around 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in length.
Alternatively, you can harvest individual stalks as needed, starting from the outermost stalks.
Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stalks at the base, taking care not to damage the plant.

How to Store & Preserve Celery

If you have a bountiful celery harvest or want to enjoy fresh celery for longer, storing and preserving is the way to go. Here’s how to store and preserve celery:

Refrigeration: To store fresh celery, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay crisp for 1 to 2 weeks.
Freezing: You can freeze celery by blanching the stalks in boiling water for 3 minutes, then cooling and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen celery is perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles.
Canning: Celery can also be preserved by canning it as pickles or in a mix with other vegetables. Follow the proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and using a pressure canner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about growing celery:

Is celery a difficult vegetable to grow? While celery requires specific growing conditions and consistent care, it is not overly difficult to grow if you follow the proper techniques.
Can I grow celery from store-bought stalks? You can attempt to grow celery from store-bought stalks by placing them in water and waiting for roots to develop. However, the success rate may vary, and it’s recommended to start from seeds or seedlings for better results.
Can I grow celery in containers on my balcony? Yes, celery can be successfully grown in containers on a balcony as long as they receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.
When is the best time to harvest celery? Celery can be harvested when the stalks reach a desirable size, typically around 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in length.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to start growing your own delicious celery! By following these steps and providing the necessary care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable. Enjoy!

Join Our Gardening Community

Ready to take your celery-growing journey to the next level? Subscribe for free to How to Grow Everything and learn how to build the garden of your dreams! Receive personalized gardening advice tailored to your specific location, grow zone, and experience level. We’re here to help you grow not just celery, but everything your green thumb desires—with no spam, just the best gardening tips and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Join our family of garden enthusiasts and make the most of our thousands of free gardening articles, all 100% free. Happy gardening!