Latin Name: Apium graveolens
Main Uses: Culinary

Days to Maturity: 85 days
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 45 - 50 cm (18-20 inches)
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 14 days at 21° C.
Sowing: Indoors 14 weeks before last frost date. Sow 5 - 8 seeds per cell or plug. Apply Sea Magic from first watering. From the second set of true leaves to time of transplanting, alternate between Sea Magic and seed-starting fertilizer (such as Evolve) once per week. Once seedlings have emerged, the ideal air temperature is lower, at 18 - 20 ° C.
Planting depth: Surface. Lightly press into the planting medium.
Planting Out: Plant in well-drained fertile soil. Celery does not perform well in heavy soils, as roots have to penetrate to a depth of 60 cm (24 inches). Plant outdoors up to two weeks before last frost date. Harden plants off by reducing watering for one week (but not longer). Avoid prolonged exposure to night temperatures below 14° C, as this leads to bolting.

Notes: Celery requires very well-amended soil. Growers often hill the plants in order to blanch the stalks as they develop.

Harvesting: Celery is bitter at harvest unless heads are immediately cooled in water. Storing at 4º C will improve flavour.

Growing in Containers: Not well-suited for containers, but deep raised beds are fine.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not suited to mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant into well-drained garden soil, amended with compost.

Watering (Garden): Celery is not drought-tolerant. Watering is required to avoid stalks becoming bitter.

Garden Companions: Tomatoes, dill, beans, cabbage and cauliflower are all great companion plants for celery.

Suitability for Indoors: Celery is not suited for indoors.