Celery

Plant Overview

Celery (Apium graveolens) is listed in the Apiaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a biennial commonly grown as an annual crop life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0034

Family

Apiaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Biennial commonly grown as an annual crop

Growth habit

Cool-season herbaceous biennial commonly grown as an annual for its crisp leaf stalks

Mature height

Commonly about 18-24 inches tall at harvest

Mature spread

Commonly about 8-12 inches wide

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Celery is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as high; keep soil consistently moist throughout growth because drought stress can produce tough, stringy stalks and slow development. The database soil reference is Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive loam with abundant organic matter and good drainage. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-10 as an annual crop.

Hardiness zones

2-10 as an annual crop

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive loam with abundant organic matter and good drainage

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water needs

High; keep soil consistently moist throughout growth because drought stress can produce tough, stringy stalks and slow development

Plant spacing

Space plants roughly 6-10 inches apart, with rows about 18-24 inches apart

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable

Germination temperature

Celery seed germinates best under mild conditions, commonly around 60-70°F, with steady moisture and light exposure

Seed depth

About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size

Sowing method

Start celery seed shallowly in containers because the seed is tiny and seedlings develop slowly; transplant outdoors after hardening off when cool conditions are suitable

Start indoors

Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow

Transplanting

Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions

Harvest

Harvest individual outer stalks as needed or cut the entire plant at the base when stalks are full-sized, crisp, and tender

Propagation

Primarily propagated by seed and commonly started indoors because seedlings develop slowly

Seed saving

Celery is biennial and must survive or be overwintered to flower in its second season; allow seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting, and isolate flowering celery from compatible Apium graveolens types to reduce cross-pollination

Pollination

If allowed to flower in its second year, celery produces insect-pollinated umbels that attract small bees, flies, and other beneficial insects

Garden Information

Common pests

Aphids, leaf miners, slugs, snails, flea beetles, cutworms, carrot rust flies, and caterpillars

Common diseases

Early and late blight, bacterial leaf spot, pink rot, damping-off, root rots, and other moisture-related diseases

Uses

Fresh stalks and leaves for salads, soups, stews, stocks, sauces, stuffing, snacks, and other culinary uses