Celery. Might not get the credit it deserves, but trust me, it’s a powerhouse. Crunchy, fresh, and with just the right hint of peppery bite, celery is a vegetable that’s way more versatile than you might think. It’s the unsung hero of soups, stews, and salads, but it also stands strong on its own, paired with peanut butter or hummus. Bonus? It’s ridiculously low in calories, so you can munch on it without guilt.
Celery is one of those plants that’s surprisingly easy to grow. It loves cool weather, so plant it early in the spring or late in the summer for a fall harvest. Just give it plenty of water—it’s basically a water-loving diva—and some fertile, well-drained soil to keep it happy.
And while it might not have flashy flowers or sweet fruits, celery’s tall, stalky greens are surprisingly pretty, especially when they catch the morning sunlight. If you’re new to gardening, celery’s a solid choice. It takes a bit of patience, but with some care, you’ll be harvesting your own crunchy stalks in no time.
Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate, celery is not only low in calories but also high in dietary fiber, making it a popular choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
How to Grow Celery
Growing celery offers so many benefits, making it a worthwhile addition to any garden. This allows you to enjoy fresh, chemical-free produce with superior flavor compared to store-bought varieties.
Additionally, celery plants are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Plus, harvesting your own celery reduces grocery costs and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle by minimizing food miles and packaging waste.
Check out our below step-by-step guide on how to grow celery.
Planting Celery
- Choose the Right Variety: There are two main types of celery: Pascal (traditional celery) and Chinese celery (smaller with a stronger flavor). Choose based on your preference.
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. Celery has a long growing season (around 130-140 days), so early starting is crucial.
- Soil Preparation: Celery prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Planting Seeds: Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/8 inch deep. Celery seeds are small and need light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deep.
- Transplanting: When seedlings are 3-4 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outside. Space plants 8-10 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Growing Celery
- Watering: Celery requires consistent moisture. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.
- Fertilizing: Celery is a heavy feeder. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Side-dress with compost halfway through the growing season.
- Blanching: To reduce bitterness and blanch the stalks, mound soil around the base of the plants or use boards or paper to cover the stalks about 2-3 weeks before harvesting.
- Pest and Disease Control: Watch for common pests like aphids and slugs. Practice crop rotation and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Harvesting Celery
- Timing: Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are 8-12 inches tall, typically about 85-120 days after transplanting.
- Harvesting Method: You can either cut individual stalks as needed or harvest the entire plant by cutting it at the base.
- Storing: Celery can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing or drying.
Additional Tips
- Succession Planting: To extend the harvest, start seeds indoors at intervals or grow a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Growing Celery in Containers: Choose a deep container with good drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide regular feeding for container-grown celery.
Celery Growing Zone
Celery is a cool-season crop that grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-10. Here are some details about growing celery in different zones:
- Zones 2-4: Celery can be grown as a summer crop in cooler regions. Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost and transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed.
- Zones 5-7: These zones are ideal for celery, where it can be grown as a spring or fall crop. Seeds can be started indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost for spring planting, or in late summer for a fall crop.
- Zones 8-10: In warmer regions, celery is best grown as a fall or winter crop. Seeds should be started indoors in late summer and transplanted outside in the fall for harvest in late winter or early spring.
Growing Celery FAQ
Yes! Cut the base off a bunch of celery, place it in a shallow dish of water, and put it in a sunny spot. After a week or two, you’ll see new growth. You can transplant it into the soil once roots develop.
There are two main types of celery: stalk celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) and celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum). Stalk celery is grown for its crisp, edible stalks, while celeriac is grown for its edible root.
Celery is a cool-season crop. It should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. It’s essential to start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost if you live in a region with cold winters.
Yes, celery can be grown in containers. Choose a large pot with a depth of at least 12 inches and ensure it has adequate drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide plenty of sunlight.
Celery is typically ready to harvest 85-120 days after transplanting. The stalks should be 8-12 inches long and firm. You can harvest the entire plant at once or cut stalks as needed.
Freshly harvested celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep it crisp, wrap the stalks in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
Start by selecting a wide container with good drainage, as celery has shallow roots. Fill the container with nutrient-rich potting soil and plant celery seeds or start with a celery base from a store-bought stalk. Place the pot in a bright spot, or use a grow light. With patience and care, you’ll have fresh, crisp celery to harvest in about 3 to 4 months.
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