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Celery

Botanical Name

Apium graveolens var. dulce

Hardiness

Biennial, grown as an annual

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Moist, rich in organic matter, tolerates damp conditions

Planting & Care

• Celery should be started indoors, with soil temperatures between 70 F and 75 F
• Celery is difficult to germinate. It doesn't tolerate heat and a stretch of cold temperatures after transplanting outdoors can cause the plants to bolt (flower and form seed)
• Harden plants off by reducing water, not lowering exposed temperatures
• Space transplants 6 to 12 inches apart in rows spaced 18 to 36 inches apart
• Set out in the garden 2 weeks before the last expected frost date
• Use a floating row cover to moderated soil and air temperatures around the plants and protect plants from insects
• Mulch soil around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Do not let plants dry out as they become bitter and fibrous

Problems

Aphids, cabbage loopers, cutworms, whiteflies, tarnished plant bug

Varieties

• Tall Utah 52-70R - resistant to bolting and disease, compact 12"
• Redventure - ornamental stems sporting red interior