How to Grow Celery
Apium graveolens
Celery is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that adds a unique flavor and crunch to salads, soups, and stews. Growing your own celery can provide you with a fresh supply of this healthy crop, and its biennial nature means it can be harvested over an extended period.
soil preparation
Celery thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. To prepare the soil, start by testing the pH and adjusting it if necessary using lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Incorporate a generous amount of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Ensure the bed is free from large clumps and rocks. Raised beds are ideal for celery, as they provide better drainage and warmer soil conditions.
planting steps
Start Seeds Indoors
Sow celery seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a seed starting mix and plant the seeds on the surface of the soil, as they require light to germinate. Maintain a consistent temperature of around 21°C (70°F) for optimal germination, which typically occurs within 7 days.
Tip: Use a clear plastic cover or a humidity dome to keep the soil moist and warm during germination.
Transplant Seedlings
Once seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered area for a few hours each day, increasing the exposure over 7-10 days.
Tip: Water the seedlings well before transplanting to minimize shock.
Plant Outdoors
Transplant celery into the garden when all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Space plants 8-10 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots, ensuring the crown is just above the soil line.
Tip: Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
watering
Celery requires consistent watering, especially during hot weather. Provide about 2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than shallowly every day. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize evaporation. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under watering can cause stunted growth and tough, stringy stalks.
feeding & fertilizer
Celery is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. At planting, incorporate a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) into the soil. During active growth, apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, using a ratio of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers once the plants start to form stalks to prevent excessive leafy growth.
pruning & training
Prune celery by removing any yellowing or damaged leaves as they appear. This helps direct the plant's energy towards healthy growth. For blanched celery, tie the outer leaves together loosely with twine or use cardboard collars to exclude light from the stalks. This process, known as earthing up, can be done when the plants are about 12 inches tall.
harvesting
Celery is ready to harvest 90-140 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Look for stalks that are at least 8-10 inches tall and have a firm, crisp texture. Harvest by lifting the entire plant with a fork or cutting it just below the soil surface with a sharp knife. For continuous harvest, remove only the outer stalks, leaving the inner ones to continue growing.
storage & preservation
After harvesting, trim the roots and leaves, then wash and dry the stalks thoroughly. Store celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, where it can last up to 2-3 weeks. For long-term storage, you can also blanch and freeze the stalks or preserve them by pickling.
common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not providing enough water: Celery requires consistent moisture to prevent tough, stringy stalks. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist throughout the growing season.
- ✗Over-fertilizing with nitrogen: Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of sturdy stalks. Use a balanced fertilizer and avoid high-nitrogen formulations once the plants start forming stalks.
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