Celery

Scientific Name

Apium graveolens

Description

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a biennial plant often cultivated as an annual vegetable. Known for its crisp, crunchy stalks, celery is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and fennel. The plant thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils and prefers a cool climate, making early spring or late summer ideal times for planting.

Celery is characterized by its long, slender green stalks that grow in tight clusters, topped with feathery, compound leaves. The plant can reach heights of about 2 to 3 feet, and it produces small white or pale yellow flowers in its second year if not harvested. The flowers are often considered less desirable due to their bitter taste, but they can attract beneficial pollinators.

Celery is celebrated for its nutritional benefits, being low in calories yet high in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals like potassium. It’s commonly used in salads, soups, and as a healthy snack when paired with dips.

When growing celery, it’s essential to provide consistent moisture, as it has shallow roots that require regular watering. Celery can also benefit from blanching, which involves covering the stems with soil or cardboard to make them less exposed to sunlight, resulting in a milder flavor and paler color.

Overall, celery is a versatile vegetable that can enhance both your garden and your diet, making it a rewarding choice for amateur gardeners and hobbyists.

Where it Grows

When to Plant

When to Plant Celery

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a popular vegetable among gardeners, known for its crisp texture and distinct flavor. However, timing your planting is crucial for successful growth. Here’s how to determine when to plant celery in your garden.

Understanding Celery’s Growing Season

Celery is a cool-season crop, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures. It prefers to grow in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Planting celery at the right time can help ensure a productive harvest. There are generally two main planting periods for celery, depending on your local climate:

1. Early Spring Planting: In regions with mild winters, celery can be started indoors 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C), and the threat of frost has passed.

2. Late Summer Planting: In areas with a long growing season, a second planting can occur in mid to late summer for a fall harvest. This is especially useful in warmer climates, where a fall crop may thrive as temperatures cool down.

Hardiness Zones

To further give context to your planting schedule, consider your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Celery adapts well in Zones 3 through 9. Understanding your zone can help you accurately determine your local frost dates and best planting times.

Seed Starting Indoors

If you are starting celery from seed indoors, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or pots. Keep the soil temperature around 70°F (21°C) for germination, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves, they can be hardened off and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

Final Planting Considerations

1. Soil Preparation: Celery thrives in well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporating organic matter can help improve soil quality.

2. Watering Needs: Celery has a high water requirement; consistent moisture is key to growing healthy stalks. This makes timing, particularly in relation to weather conditions, an essential factor.

3. Frost Sensitivity: Remember, celery is sensitive to frost. Planting should be planned accordingly to avoid frost damage on tender young plants.

By carefully considering these factors—local climate, hardiness zone, and soil conditions—you can determine the best time to plant celery in your garden, paving the way for a bountiful harvest. Happy gardening!

How to Plant

Planting celery (Apium graveolens) successfully involves understanding its growing conditions and preferences to yield crisp, delicious stalks. Start by selecting a location with full sun to partial shade; celery thrives in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure enhances soil nutrient levels.

Begin by sowing seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date, as celery has a long growing season. Use seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix, sprinkling seeds lightly on the surface and covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination, which usually takes 14-21 days.

Once seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Transplant them to the garden when they’re about 4-6 inches tall, spacing them 8-10 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. Water regularly, as celery requires consistent moisture, and consider mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. With proper care, your celery will be ready to harvest in 4-6 months.

Watering

Watering celery (Apium graveolens) effectively is crucial to ensure healthy growth and optimal flavor. The best strategy involves consistently moistening the soil rather than allowing it to dry out between waterings. Celery requires about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, ideally distributed over several waterings to maintain a stable moisture level. It's important to water early in the day to prevent evaporation and fungal diseases.

Using mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, and using drip irrigation or soaker hoses can provide moisture directly to the roots while reducing water waste. Be careful to avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can promote diseases. If growing celery in containers, monitor soil moisture levels closely, as potted plants can dry out more quickly. Regularly check the soil; it should be damp but not waterlogged to promote healthy root development and prevent root rot.

Pruning

Pruning celery (Apium graveolens) is essential for promoting healthier growth and maximizing yield. The ideal time to prune celery is when the plants reach about 8 to 12 inches tall, typically during their growing season.

To start, carefully remove any yellowing or damaged leaves, which helps focus the plant’s energy on healthier foliage and overall growth. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make precise cuts at the base of the leaves, just above the stem. Avoid cutting too many leaves at once; removing a few at a time allows the plant to recover and promotes better air circulation.

Additionally, you can thin out the inner stalks to allow more light and airflow, improving the exposure of the outer stalks. Regularly check your celery plants during the growing season to maintain their health and vigor, and ensure they have plenty of water and nutrients. Proper pruning leads to robust, more flavor-packed celery.

Weeding

Weeding around celery plants is crucial for their healthy growth, as they can be sensitive to competition from weeds. The best strategy involves a combination of careful manual weeding and mulching. Start by frequently inspecting the soil around your celery for emerging weeds, preferably when the soil is moist, as this makes pulling weeds out easier while minimizing root disturbance to your celery. Use a hand tool or simply pull them by hand, making sure to extract the entire root to prevent regrowth.

After weeding, applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, can help suppress further weed growth while also retaining soil moisture. Take care to keep mulch away from the base of the celery to avoid rot. Regular maintenance, ideally weekly, is key to keeping your celery free from competition and ensuring robust growth.

Mulching

Mulching celery is an essential step in maintaining moisture and regulating soil temperature, which is crucial for this moisture-loving crop. The best strategy for mulching involves several key steps.

First, after planting celery seedlings or seeds, wait until they are at least a few inches tall before applying mulch. This helps ensure that the young plants are established.

Choose organic materials such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings, which can improve soil structure as they decompose. Spread a layer of mulch about 2 to 3 inches thick around the base of the celery plants, taking care not to bury the stems, as this can lead to rot.

Regularly check the mulch during the growing season; replenish it as needed to maintain coverage. This strategy will help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and promote healthy celery growth.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing celery plants effectively is crucial for achieving robust, flavorful stalks. The best strategy involves a multi-phase approach. Start with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during planting, ideally one with a nutrient ratio of about 10-10-10 (N-P-K). This ensures that the plants receive an adequate supply of nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health.

Once the celery seedlings are established, a side-dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate or fish emulsion, can be applied every 4-6 weeks to encourage vigorous growth. In addition, consider supplementing with water-soluble fertilizers during the active growing season, particularly during the first few months when the plants are most nutrient-hungry.

Always ensure the soil is consistently moist, as celery thrives in well-draining, damp conditions. Regularly monitor plant health and adjust fertilization accordingly to achieve optimal growth.

Varieties

Common Varieties of the Celery Plant

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a popular vegetable known for its crisp texture and distinctive flavor. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is commonly grown in gardens worldwide. Gardeners often choose different varieties of celery to suit their climate, soil type, and intended culinary use. Here’s a look at some of the most common varieties of celery:

1. Green Celery (Standard Celery)

This is the most widely cultivated variety, characterized by its tall, straight stalks and dark green foliage. Green celery is often used fresh in salads, soups, and as a snack. Popular subtypes include 'Tall Utah' and 'Golden Self-Blanching,' which are favored for their yield and flavor.

2. Self-Blanching Celery

Self-blanching varieties are bred to develop paler stalks, which occur naturally when they are shielded from sunlight. 'Golden Self-Blanching' is a notable example and is favored for its tenderness and milder taste. These types are particularly popular among home gardeners for their ease of growth and preparation.

3. Red Celery

As the name suggests, red celery features stalks that are a reddish-purple color. It has a more robust flavor compared to its green counterpart and can add an attractive color to salads and dishes. 'Redventure' is a popular variety known for its striking color and high nutritional value.

4. Celery Heart

This variety is often bred for a more pronounced heart, which is the internal stalks of the celery that are tender and flavorful. 'Conquistador' falls into this category, offering a sweet taste and a crunchy texture. This type is commonly used in cooking where the tender inner stalks are desired.

5. Celeriac (Celery Root)

Although not the typical stalk celery, celeriac is grown primarily for its edible root. Celeriac, or celery root, has a knobby appearance and a flavor that is reminiscent of celery but with an earthy taste. The 'Giant Prague' variety is commonly grown and appreciated for its large size and smooth texture, making it ideal for stews and purees.

6. Cutting Celery

Different from traditional stalk celery, cutting celery (Apium graveolens 'Dwarf') has thinner, more intensely flavored stalks and leaves. It's often used for flavoring soups and stocks rather than eaten raw. This variety is also more tolerant of cool conditions, making it ideal for early spring or fall planting.

Conclusion

When selecting a variety of celery to grow, consider factors such as flavor, intended use, and your local growing conditions. Each variety has its unique characteristics and culinary applications, providing gardeners with a delightful range of options for both fresh consumption and cooking. Experimenting with different varieties can enhance your garden's diversity and your culinary creations.

Nutritional Composition (per 100g)

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value
Calories	16 kcal	1%
Protein	0.7 g	1%
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Carbohydrates	3 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	1.4 g	1%
Vitamin A	22 IU	0%
Vitamin C	3.1 mg	5%
Calcium	40 mg	4%
Iron	0.2 mg	1%
Potassium	260 mg	7%
Magnesium	11 mg	3%
Folate	36 µg	9%

Health Benefits

Celery (Apium graveolens) is not only a popular vegetable in culinary applications but also boasts several well-known health and wellness benefits that make it a favorite among health enthusiasts.

Hydration and Nutritional Value: Celery consists of about 95% water, making it an excellent hydrating snack. It is low in calories while being a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Celery contains phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help combat inflammation in the body. Regular consumption may aid in reducing the risk of chronic diseases related to inflammation.

Digestive Health: The high fiber content in celery promotes good digestion. It acts as a natural laxative, helping to maintain regular bowel movements and may alleviate symptoms of constipation.

Blood Pressure Regulation: Celery is known for its potential to aid in blood pressure management. The presence of phthalides, compounds in celery, helps relax the tissues of the artery walls, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Promotes Weight Loss: Its low-calorie count and high-water content make celery an ideal food for weight management. It can be incorporated into diets as a filling snack or ingredient in various dishes.

Incorporating celery into your diet can not only enhance flavor but also support overall health and wellness.

Fun Facts

Fun Facts About Celery

• Calorie Burner: Celery is famously known as a "negative calorie" food, meaning that the energy expended to digest it can be greater than the calories it contains, making it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight.

• High in Water Content: Celery is composed of about 95% water, which makes it an excellent hydrating snack, especially during hot weather or after exercise.

• Rich in Antioxidants: This crunchy vegetable contains a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids and vitamin C, which contribute to its potential health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

• Historical Uses: Celery has been cultivated for over 3,000 years and was used in ancient cultures not just as a food, but also within rituals and for medicinal purposes, such as a remedy for anxiety and digestive issues.

• Varieties Galore: While the most common variety is the green stalk celery, there are also other types, including the more robust and fibrous "pascal," the crisp and sweet "self-blanching," and even specialty types like "red celery," which adds a colorful twist to gardens and dishes.