How to Grow and Care for Celery

Celery, known for its crisp stalks and aromatic leaves, thrives in cool, long growing seasons. Gardeners can choose from varieties like 'Afina' and 'Golden Self Blanching,' each with unique traits. Despite its culinary versatility, celery is notoriously challenging to grow, requiring consistent moisture and rich soil. However, the effort is rewarded with tender, flavorful produce.

• Common Names: Smallage, Wild Celery
• Scientific Name: Apium graveolens
• Plant Type: Annual, Herb, Herbaceous Perennial
• Plant Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
• Growing Difficulty: Medium
• Growing Time: Up to 140 days to harvest
• Bloom Time: Fall, Spring
• Temperature: 70° to 75°F daytime, 60° to 65°F nighttime
• Hardiness Zone: 3a-6b (Find your hardiness zone here)
• Sunlight: Full Sun
• Soil pH: 5.8-6.8
• Watering Frequency: Requires constant moisture
• Plant Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart

Different Methods to Grow Celery

Trenching Celery

This method involves planting celery in trenches and mounding soil against the stems as they grow. Gardeners often use cardboard tubes or collars to aid in blanching, producing crisp, pale stems.

• Pros: Produces crisp, pale stems.
• Cons: Requires more effort and care to mound soil or use blanching aids.

Self-Blanching Celery

Self-blanching celery does not require soil mounding or additional steps for blanching. It is easier to grow and produces tasty stems without extra care.

• Pros: Easier to grow with no need for additional blanching steps.
• Cons: May not produce as crisp and pale stems as trenching celery.

Using Water in a Container

Cut the bottom off a bunch of celery and place it in a container with water. Keep it in a bright area out of direct sunlight, changing the water every few days.

• Pros: Simple and quick setup with fast results.
• Cons: Limited growth potential; primarily produces leaves.

Planting the Base in Potting Soil

After sprouting in water, plant the celery base in a pot with potting soil. Place it in full to partial sunlight and water regularly to keep the soil damp.

• Pros: Allows for larger growth and can produce both leaves and stalks.
• Cons: Requires more materials and effort, including potting soil and fertilizer.

Ideal Soil and Location Requirements

Celery thrives in nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil with high organic matter. It requires a location with full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.

When to Plant Celery

Celery is best planted in early spring in cooler regions and mid- to late summer in warmer areas. Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost for a spring crop, or 10 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost for a fall crop.

Growing Celery Outdoors

The best method to grow celery outdoors in a garden is to use self-blanching celery. This method is the easiest because it does not require the extra steps of mounding soil or using collars, making it simpler to manage.

1. Start seeds indoors. Begin 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost. Soak seeds in warm water overnight to improve germination.
2. Prepare seed flats. Fill them with seed-starting mix. Press seeds into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate.
3. Cover with plastic wrap. This helps retain moisture. Place the flats under a grow light for 16 hours a day.
4. Maintain temperature. Keep the daytime temperature at 70-75°F and nighttime temperature at 60-65°F. Mist regularly to keep the soil moist.
5. Transplant seedlings. When they are 2 inches tall, move them to individual pots. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
6. Prepare the garden bed. Loosen soil to a depth of 12-15 inches and mix in 2-4 inches of aged manure or compost. Ensure the soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.8.
7. Transplant outdoors. When soil temperature is at least 50°F and nighttime temperatures are above 40°F, plant seedlings 8-10 inches apart in full sun.
8. Water thoroughly. Celery requires constant moisture. Water regularly to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged.
9. Side-dress with compost. During the second and third months of growth, add compost and a 5-10-10 fertilizer to support healthy development.
10. Harvest. Begin harvesting from summer through autumn until the first hard frost. Start with the outer stalks when they are about 8 inches tall.

Growing Celery Indoors

Growing celery indoors is entirely possible and can be done using a few simple steps. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for home gardeners:

1. Cut the base. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut off the bottom of a celery bunch about two inches up from the base.
2. Place in water. Put the celery base in a small container with about one inch of water. Ensure the base is upright and stable.
3. Find a bright spot. Place the container in a bright area, but out of direct sunlight. A windowsill that gets indirect light works well.
4. Change water regularly. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent mold. Ensure the container does not dry out.
5. Watch for growth. Within a few days, you should see new leaves and small roots starting to form at the base.
6. Prepare a pot. If you want larger growth, fill a pot with potting soil until it is about two inches below the rim. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer.
7. Plant the base. Place the sprouted celery base on top of the soil and add another inch of soil around it. Ensure the base is stable and upright.
8. Water regularly. Keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly to maintain consistent moisture.
9. Provide sunlight. Place the pot in full to partial sunlight. A spot that gets at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily is ideal.
10. Monitor growth. Continue to water and provide light. The celery will grow both leaves and stalks over time.

Celery stalks become more nutrient-dense as they darken. While darker stalks are tougher, they offer higher nutritional value, making them a healthy choice for your garden.

Caring for Celery

1. Watering: Celery needs consistent moisture to thrive. Ensure the soil is always damp but not waterlogged. During hot, dry weather, increase watering frequency to prevent the plants from drying out.
2. Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants when they reach about 6 inches tall. This helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool, which is essential for healthy growth.
3. Pest Control: Common pests like carrot rust flies, earwigs, and slugs can affect celery. Use row covers to protect young plants, set traps for earwigs, and handpick slugs. Regularly inspect your plants and take action at the first sign of pests.
4. Fertilizing: Side-dress your celery with compost or a balanced fertilizer like 5-10-10 during the second and third months of growth. This provides essential nutrients to support robust development.
5. Harvesting: Begin harvesting celery stalks when they are about 8 inches tall. You can pick individual stalks as needed or harvest the entire plant. Celery can tolerate a light frost, but be sure to harvest before consecutive frosts set in.

Common Challenges With Celery

Celery is often considered a challenging plant to grow, primarily due to its need for a long, cool growing season and consistent moisture. While it can be started from seeds indoors, it requires careful attention to soil quality and watering. In my experience, starting celery from the base of store-bought stalks can be a fun and easy project, especially for beginners. However, achieving the same quality as commercially grown celery can be tricky.

Common challenges when growing celery include its susceptibility to pests like aphids, earwigs, and slugs. Additionally, celery has shallow roots, making it prone to disturbances and requiring nutrient-rich, well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Consistent moisture is crucial, and any lapse can lead to bolting or bitter stalks. Despite these hurdles, with proper care and attention, growing celery can be a rewarding endeavor.

Safety of Celery for Pets

Celery is safe for cats, dogs, and other pets to consume in moderation. However, if you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount or is showing signs of distress, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control 24-hour hotline immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I revive wilted celery stalks?

To revive wilted celery stalks, trim the ends and place them in a bowl of ice water for a few hours. This helps rehydrate the stalks, making them crisp again. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and refrigerate for a few hours.

What are the best growing conditions for celery?

Celery thrives in nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. It requires full sun to part sun and consistent moisture. Cool weather is ideal, as high temperatures can cause bolting and bitterness in the stalks.

How can I prevent pests from damaging my celery plants?

To prevent pests like carrot rust flies and earwigs, use row covers and yellow sticky traps. Handpick slugs and use copper plant collars. Regularly inspect your plants and remove any plant debris to minimize pest habitats.

When is the best time to harvest celery?

Harvest celery when the stalks are about 8 inches tall. You can pick individual stalks as needed or harvest the entire plant. Celery can tolerate a light frost, but it's best to harvest before consecutive frosts set in.