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Growing Celery

(Apium sp.)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  S S   T T            

(Best months for planting Celery in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings.


  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 54°F and 70°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with: Not applicable as celery needs to be close together to encourage blanching.
  • Avoid growing with: Sweetcorn
  • Celery seedlings

Most varieties improve with blanching but there are some self-blanching varieties available. To Blanch: plant in trenches 15- 20 cm (6-8 in) deep and 20cm (8in) apart. Leave about 40 cm (17 in) between rows. Fill the trenches gradually and keep well watered as the plants grow. The plants can be lifted as needed after about 11 weeks. Alternatively wrap the plants in sleeves of paper or black plastic.

Celery needs moist fertile soil.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Celery

Chop and use raw in salad or braised in hot dishes.


Your comments and tips

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23 Aug 12, Wilma Brown (USA - Zone 5b climate)
T.his years celery was too large, and not as tender.I looked but could not find the light color I like.
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10 Feb 11, Becky S.R. (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I couldn't find Central/Plains region as we live in Kansas. Is it possible to grow celery in our area?
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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