Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING CELERY
FAMILY
NAME
Umbelliferae or Apiaceae (carrot or parsley family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Stalk and root.
LOCATION
Level, open area.
BEST SOIL
Celery is a heavy feeder and needs a rich, well-drained soil; pH
6.0-7.0.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Start seedlings indoors in late February to April; transplant out in
late spring when plants are about 4 or 5 inches tall.
HOW TO
PLANT
Celery can be transplanted or direct-seeded. Space the plants 8
inches apart in rows at least 12 inches apart.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
5 to 10 plants per person.
COMPANION
PLANTS
For a positive effect, plant with beans, brassicas, spinach,
squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Stay away from carrots and
parsnips.
WEEDING
Keep well weeded.
WATERING
Needs heavy watering, so keep soil moist.
CARE
Blanch for best flavor and to get whitish stalks.
FERTILIZING
Put compost around the base of the plant 3 weeks after planting
and then again after 6 weeks after planting.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Aphids, cabbage loopers, leafhoppers, damping off, and mildew.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Takes 90 to 110 days to mature.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Cut individual stalks as you need them or cut the whole bunch off
at the base.
STORAGE
Will not store long once harvested. If you live in an area with
mild winters, celery can be left in the garden over winter and
harvested as needed.
