Growing Celery

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S       S S      
        T T       T T  

(Best months for growing Celery in Australia - sub-tropical 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 (can grow beside): Not applicable as celery needs to be close together to encourage blanching.
  • Avoid growing close to: 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 20 cm (8 in) 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 to use, 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
28 May 23, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been growing celery for a few years. I always blanch the Celery for about 2 weeks using a piece of downpipe. When I harvest the Celery it looks terrific. Store it in the crisper in a plastic bag with a paper towel. After about 2 weeks it turns all mushy. Any ideas what I am doing wrong?. Thanks in advance. Pete.
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21 Aug 24, Deb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Pete, at what point in the growing time did you use the pipe please? It sounds like a great idea. Deb
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01 Jun 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
Make sure it is dry and put in the plastic bag. Maybe put a few small holes in the bag and use a tie.If it goes limp stand in some water for a few hours.
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09 Feb 23, Mick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Celery is a good companion with cauliflower if planted together in February they are both heavy feeders
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13 Feb 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maybe leave until March to plant out in the garden. 34 degreees here today and the last 2 days. Heavy rain can be a problem this time of year. Had 3.5
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02 Nov 22, Miroslav Andjic (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, what does the word "blanching" mean in the above context: (Compatible with (can grow beside): Not applicable as celery needs to be close together to encourage blanching)? Thanks, Miroslav Andjic
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07 Nov 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you plant celery close together the stalks are protected from the sunlight and the outside leaves are a light green/white colour - blanched. Plant them far apart and the stalks are darker green and a bitter.
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03 Nov 22, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Blanching celery means that a portion of the stem is white instead of green.
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03 Nov 22, Miroslav Andjic (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you very much Liz.
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19 Jun 22, EC Sunshine (Australia - temperate climate)
I've never used seed for growing celery. I buy an organic/non organic bunch, chop off the base place in water and replace the water regularly and place on kitchen bench in sun for a while. Once its starts growing ( starts fast but I let it grow for a while) I then plant it. I've just pulled an amazing bunch planted undercover but northern sun that started just before the recent Sydney rain event in March. I was concerned with the flavour being watery and bland due to the soil being blanched by all the rain so left it in a bit longer when the sun came out. Amazing!!. I am now growing another one from the base of this one I just grew.
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It's mid December, is it too late to start celery from seed?

- Rene

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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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