Melinda Myers

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