How Do You Plant Celery?
Updated on
November 29, 2023
Growing Celery
Want to add a crunchy, nutritious addition to your vegetable garden? Learning how to plant celery can be your next adventurous step in gardening. From seeding to harvesting, this comprehensive guide covers all aspects of how to grow celery, a rewarding, health-packed vegetable, ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wondered about the intricacies of planting and raising the perfect stalk of celery, look no further. Immerse yourself in our step-by-step guide packed with actionable tips to ensure your celery crop thrives. So, put on your gardening gloves and let's navigate through the exciting world of celery gardening together, ensuring a bountiful harvest that is both rewarding and deliciously satisfying.
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Celery Planting Cheatsheet
Timing
📅 Plant celery seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
Soil
🌱 Choose a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6 to 7.
Sowing
🌾 Sow celery seeds thinly, barely covering with soil.
Germination
🌱 Celery seeds germinate in 1-3 weeks at a temperature of 60-70°F.
Watering
💦 Water celery deeply and consistently, aiming for 1-1.5 inches per week.
Thinning
✂️ Thin celery seedlings to 8-12 inches apart once they have 3-4 leaves.
Transplanting
🌱 Harden-off seedlings before transplanting to a prepared garden bed.
Spacing
📏 Space celery plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
Sunlight
☀️ Celery prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Fertilizing
🍃 Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during growth.
Pest Control
🐛 Protect celery from pests like aphids, slugs, and celery leaf miner.
Harvesting
🌿 Harvest celery when stalks are firm, around 85-120 days after planting.
Nutrition
🥬 Celery is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Storage
🧊 Store celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Self-Sufficiency
🌱 Growing celery at home promotes self-sufficiency and reduces food miles.
Intro To Growing Celery
OK, let's get started. Growing celery is a lot of fun. plus, they are tasty and healthy!
Varieties
there are three kinds of celery - celery leaf, green celery, and celeriac. green or pascal celery is quite common in the us and used raw and cooked. celeriac is a root vegetable and is common in europe and mediterranean basin. leaf celery is popular in east asia and is grown for the leaves. giant red is a heirloom, cold-hardy pascal variety with a flavor stronger than green celery. conquistador is a hybrid pascal variety that matures in just 80 days in warm regions and is perfect for all the impatient gardeners out there. golden self-blanching variety is perfect for you if do not want to deal with blanching at home. flora 55 celery is a flavorful leaf celery that is dark green and has an anti-bolting feature. nan ling cutting or chinese celery is leaf celery and is perfect for regions with short summers. you can cut the light-green stalks from 60 to 90 days. president celery is a celeriac variety that tastes amazing both raw and cooked. its root is tender and has a mild taste.
Companions
some of celery's companions are lettuce, spinach and peas. avoid pumpkins, cucumbers, and squash though!
Soil
use a rich, moisture-retentive sandy loam soil with plenty of compost dug in before planting. the soil ph should be between 5.8 and 6.8 for celery to grow perfectly. do a soil test if you are unsure of the ph levels. loosen the soil 12 to 15 inches deep with a tiller and mix 2 to 4 inches of old manure or compost to make it nutrient-rich. celery thrives in a moisture-retentive soil mix that is not fast-draining. lack of moisture causes stunted growth.
Sun-Requirements
this plant needs full sun.
Sowing
sow celery seed ¼ to ½ inch deep, 6 to 10 inches (15 - 25 cm) apart; space rows 24 inches (61 cm) apart.
Depth
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to plant celery?
The best time to grow celery is during the cooler months, typically in early spring or late summer.
2. What kind of soil does celery prefer?
Celery thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Aim for a pH level of 5.8-6.8.
3. How deep should I plant celery seeds?
Plant celery seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
4. How far apart should I space celery plants?
Space celery plants 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
5. Does celery require full sun or partial shade?
Celery prefers partial shade to protect it from excessive heat and prevent bolting.
6. How often should I water celery?
Water celery consistently and keep the soil evenly moist. Do not let it dry out or become waterlogged.
7. Can I grow celery in containers?
Absolutely! Choose a deep container that allows at least 12 inches of space for the roots to develop.
8. When can I harvest celery?
You can begin to harvest celery around 75 to 85 days after planting, once the stalks have developed and thickened.
9. Are there any pests or diseases that affect celery?
Common pests include aphids and slugs, while diseases such as blight and leaf spot can occur. Proper sanitation and regular monitoring can help prevent issues.
10. Can I save celery seeds for future planting?
Yes, celery can produce seeds, but it requires biennial cultivation. Saving seeds may be more complex than other vegetables.
Now you have the knowledge and tools you'll need to successfully grow celery in your garden! with the right soil, plentiful water, and adequate sunlight, you can enjoy a fresh crop of celery in no time. so don't delay; dig in and get to planting your celery!
