Among some gardeners, growing celery from seed is considered the ultimate vegetable growing challenge. The seeds are small and need diligent attention to germinate well. Celery prefers a long cool growing season and may need to be coddled or it will become tough and stringy. Some types take about five months to grow and it should be blanched to reduce bitterness. But, if grown successfully the home gardener will earn himself bragging rights for producing a crop of this stubborn vegetable.
Varieties
Pick a celery variety to grow based on climate and need. The type Conquistador does well in many different conditions and so does Tall Utah. Tango holds up in hot summer weather. Since celery is not commonly grown in home gardens it may be difficult to find celery seeds on the internet, so try your favorite seed catalog or online seed supplier.
Soil and Sun
Celery grows best in rich soil that is light and slightly alkaline. Add lots of compost a few weeks before planting and let it settle because celery needs lots of nutrients. Calcium and magnesium in the soil will discourage diseases like black heart and pink rot. This vegetable also prefers full sun but needs to be sheltered when it is hot. Celery needs about 6 hours of sun a day. The plant is temperamental and may bolt if either too hot or too cold. If the plant bolts, save the seeds to use as a spice.
Germination and Seedlings
Celery seeds are very slow to germinate. Plant them in early to mid-spring. They are best started indoors, as the seeds need a consistent temperature at or above 59 degrees. Celery seeds are very small and need light to germinate. Sow them by scattering them on the top of the soil. Mist the seeds gently with an atomizer. Put a plastic bag over the top to keep the humidity up. Keep the seeds moist and they should germinate within about three weeks. Celery seedlings should have five or six leaves before they are ready to be planted out. But, if the weather is too bad and they can’t go outside yet, trim the seedlings down to three inches to slow their growth until it is a better time to plant.
General Care
Plant the celery seedlings outside once they have enough leaves and all danger of frost is past. The seedlings should be placed about one foot apart. Make sure the crown is level with the surface of the soil. Protect the seedlings from any late frosts and keep them watered. Blanch the plants by tying the stalks together with twine, or tie cardboard collars around them. Soil can also be mounded up around the stalks as they grow. Blanching will make the celery less bitter. Keep the plants watered and mulched. If the celery turn yellow give it a little fertilizer. Snails and slugs are attracted to celery so take precautions against them by making slug traps.
Harvest the celery plants after midsummer. The stalks should be about a foot tall. Do not let them get too tall or they will be stringy. The day before the celery is picked, water it well so that it will be crisp the next day. Cut the roots off and store it in the refrigerator, in a brown paper bag. If you can’t use a lot of celery at once pick off the outside stalks as needed. Protect the plants from frost in fall but if the outside stalks are damaged by cold the inside parts are usually still edible. Celery can be canned or dried. It can be frozen but will be soggy if defrosted. Considering the challenges of celery, it is best to start with a small crop so it is easy to manage and to use after harvest.
Resources
Harvest to Table: How to Grow Celery
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