SCIENTIFIC NAME: Apium graveolens
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, high organic matter
pH RANGE: 6.5
MOISTURE/WATERING: Keep moist, not waterlogged
MATURITY IN DAYS: 90 - 120
KNOWN PESTS: Aphids
KNOWN DISEASES: Aster Yellows
OVERVIEW:
Celery is a cool-weather crop and prefers a rich, moist but well-drained, deeply prepared soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Ensure moisture retention by adding plenty of compost or well-cured manure. Prepare the celery row a week or two before setting the plants.
The most common mistake with celery is not allowing enough time for growing. About a minimum of 90 days are required to grow good celery plants. Celery seed is small and germinates slowly. Start seeds for transplanting several weeks before you expect to plant celery in your garden.
PROPAGATION / SOWING:
Start celery indoors 10 weeks before last frost. Soak celery seed for 24 hours, scatter seeds on soil mix and lightly cover with 1/8” of soil, as light is needed for germination along with a soil temperature of 70°F and constant moisture. Celery will take 7-14 days to germinate. When seedlings are about 1“ tall, transplant to individual pots. Transplant celery after all risk of frost, spacing about 6-9“ apart in rows 24-32” apart.
COMPANION PLANTING:
Everything expect carrot, parsley, dill and parsnip.
CARE & GROWING:
Full sun required. Celery is a heavy feeder and grows best in soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5. Before planting add plenty of compost and rotted manure. Celery has a shallow root system. To conserve moisture and cut back on weeds, mulch around the plants and water during dry spells. Lack of boron may cause stem cracking. Blanching is not necessary but it does improve flavour.
HARVESTING:
Young celery stalks on the outside of the plant can be harvested anytime. The entire celery plant is harvested once a desirable size is reached, remembering celery has a long maturity of 100-120 days. For best flavour and longer storage, water celery plants the day before harvest.
