Growing Celery

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
        T T            

(Best months for growing Celery in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 54°F and 70°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Not applicable as celery needs to be close together to encourage blanching.
  • Avoid growing close to: Sweetcorn

Your comments and tips

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15 Feb 16, wayne (USA - Zone 8a climate)
depending on the authors knowledge of living for a year in each of the zones... weather has changing attitudes in each. I hope the 3200 elevation in mid california does fine. we are a vegetable growing couple, ready for new adventures. wish us luck
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09 Nov 15, may (Australia - temperate climate)
just want to know why u have to cover the celery when it grows into stalks what is the reason for it and u stated its a cooler climate then why do they sell in nurseries
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20 Mar 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
It is not so much, cover the stalks but protect the side stalks. Celery is best grown close to each other in rows. This then blocks out the sun from the side stalks. With lots of sunlight the side stalks become very green and bitter. Usually you trim these off the plants when harvesting them. Or protect the sides from the sun and then you can eat these stalks also. It is ridicules what nurseries and Bunnings etc sell in the wrong time of the year. Go to "Seed Collection Pty Ltd" and find their planting guide for Veg, flowers, herbs.
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06 Dec 21, Enonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
We are going into summer here in the south of australia and my celery plants are starting to bolt? Do you find this happens when things warm up? I thought they liked it warm and moist? Or have I got my seasons mixed up?
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23 Mar 15, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi when is the corect tome to plant celery from. Seedim very sucsessful in growing alomat everything fron basil to garlic I'm not sure about celery I want those big long stems aswell regards sharon
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27 Aug 14, Emmanuel (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I grow celery in the same bed with green beans?
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Yes. Celery requires high amounts of nitrogen & beans fix nitrogen in the soil pulling it from the air.
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24 Jul 14, Yvonne (Australia - temperate climate)
live on Yorke Peninsula South Australia and would like to grow Celery. Is it possible and could I have some tips please?
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28 May 14, jada s (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
finally I have a garden after 33 years in an apartment! I am trying sooooo hard to grow something in my long awaiting garden but the lettuce hasn't made it, the rocket hasn't made it and I can kind of see a pin head broccoli shooting through. But I don't even know what 'plant in' or 'plant out' means? My 2 year old granddaughter planted a garlic clove in with the broccoli and lettuce and hers shooted up but mine of course was a no show, she even planted them upside down, here help please, did I start too big?
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14 May 14, diane (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My celery has white colour on the leaves almost like white spots. Do you perhaps know whats causing this or what I can do to remedy.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 114 comments
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Celery is susceptible to various fungal diseases which cause the stems to go brown and rot so keep the beds weeded to allow good air circulation. Fungal problems can also be caused by overhead watering and heavy rain. You can't control the rain but ensure celery is planted in an open, sunny spot with good airflow, Good soil and balance in your garden planting to provide food sources for beneficial insects such as ladybirds, hover fly and damsel flies will control aphids, etc that turn up. Any 'daisy' type flowers are good beneficial host plants

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