How to Grow Celery from Seeds

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a cool-season vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is commonly grown for its crisp stalks, which are used in various culinary dishes and as a healthy snack. Growing celery from seeds allows you to have a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown celery throughout the growing season.

1. Seed Starting

Start by selecting high-quality celery seeds from a reputable source. Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten the mix with water, ensuring it is evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Sow the celery seeds on the surface of the mix, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them with additional mix as celery seeds require light to germinate.

Place the tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination. Keep the soil consistently moist by misting it with water or using a bottom-watering method.

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2. Transplanting

Once the celery seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a prepared garden bed. Celery plants require a long growing season, so it’s important to start them indoors 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade. Celery prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve its fertility and drainage.

Transplant the seedlings into the garden bed, spacing them about 8-10 inches apart. Ensure that the crown of each plant is level with the soil surface. Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly to settle the soil around their roots.

3. Care and Maintenance

Celery plants require consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water them regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

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Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, every 4-6 weeks to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

As the celery plants grow, blanching can be done to improve their flavor and texture. About 2-3 weeks before harvest, tie the outer stalks together using twine or strips of cloth to exclude light. This process helps to reduce the bitterness and stringiness of the stalks.

4. Harvesting

Celery is typically ready for harvest 85-120 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. Harvesting can be done by cutting the stalks at the base using a sharp knife or garden shears. Leave the inner stalks and the plant’s central growing point intact to allow for regrowth.

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Enjoy the fresh, crisp celery stalks in salads, soups, stir-fries, or as a healthy snack. Store any unused celery in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or placed in a sealed container, to maintain its freshness.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow celery from seeds and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown produce.

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