I sowed my celery seeds in a seed flat in late February. I didn't bother to cover the seeds with any soil. Celery generally takes 14-21 days to germinate. It is recommended that seeds are soaked overnight in warm water because the seed coat releases a germination inhibitor. But my middle name is lazy so I didn't bother and just sowed the seeds non-soaked. I watered the flat like crazy and in 20 days I noticed precious little celery babies. I transplanted the babies into 32's about a month later and, unfortunately the babies are still in the 32's. I'm not sure how this new growing experience is going to turn out. I still haven't bothered to stick the celery starts in the ground and it is mid June with temperatures in the 90's. I'm going to call this a learning experience.
Planting
- For the best success rates, celery seeds should be started indoors around 8 to 10 weeks before the average last frost date for your area.
- In areas with very long growing seasons, seed may be planted directly in the garden and later transplanted at the appropriate spacing.
- It is recommended to soak seeds in warm water overnight prior to planting, to reduce germination time.
- Before planting incorporate 2-4 inches of well-rotted manure, organic matter or compost, and a complete fertilizer (16-16-8) at a rate of 2 lbs per 100 square feet. Work the compost and fertilizer into the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, then smooth the surface for planting. Celery prefers fertile, well drained, organic sandy soils with lots of organic matter for best growth.
- Harden off seedlings before transplanting by reducing water slightly, and keeping them outdoors for a couple hours a day.
- Transplant seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart, direct sow seeds ¼ inch deep. These will need to be thinned to 12 inches apart when they reach about six inches high.
- Transplants should have 3-4 mature leaves and a well established root system, before they are planted in the garden
- Mulch and water directly after planting.
Care
- Celery is a heavy feeder and requires lots of water. Make sure to provide plenty of water during the entire growing season, especially during hot, dry weather.
- If celery does not get enough water, the stalks will be dry, and small.
- Add plenty of compost and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
- Fertilize regularly. Add mulch as needed, to help retain soil moisture and add nutrients.
- Tie growing celery stalks together to keep them from sprawling.
Harvest/Storage
- The parts of celery that are harvested are mainly the stalks.
- Harvest stalks from the outside in. You may begin harvesting when stalks are about 8 inches tall.
- To achieve the light color on the celery stalks, place a light barrier around the stalks like a bottomless waxed milk carton. Make sure the leaves are sticking out of the top to gather energy from the sun.
- Celery can be kept in the garden for up to a month if soil is built up around it to maintain an ideal temperature. Note: Celery will tolerate a light frost, but not consecutive frosts.
- Tip: The darker the stalks become, the more nutrients they will contain. Texture changes with color, dark green stalks will be tougher.
- Keep celery in a plastic bag, in the refrigerator. It should be used within two weeks.
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Recommended Varieties
- ‘Utah’ good for gardeners with limited space. Will only reach 18 inches tall.
- ‘Alfina’ slender stalks, dark green, quick variety (60 days to maturity)
- ‘Conquistador’ and 'Tango' are tolerant of higher temps and withstand moisture stress better than other varieties.
My synopsis: Celery grows sloow from seed. Wish me luck. I'm not sure how this is going to turn out.
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