Growing Celery

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

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

(Best months for growing Celery in Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 12°C and 21°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 30 cm 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
  • Celery seedlings

Most varieties improve with blanching but there are some self-blanching varieties available.

To Blanch: plant in trenches 15 - 20 cm (6 - 8 in) deep and 20 cm (8 in) apart. Leave about 40 cm (17 in) between rows. Fill the trenches gradually and keep well watered as the plants grow. The plants can be lifted to use, as needed after about 11 weeks.

Alternatively wrap the plants in sleeves of paper or black plastic.

Celery needs moist fertile soil.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Celery

Chop and use raw in salad or braised in hot dishes.

Your comments and tips

22 Jun 19, neil waterman (Canada - Zone 8a Mild Temperate climate)
can I grow celery in nfld canada
07 Aug 23, Margaret Porkolab (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Could you please show me what you mean in planting and how to rap. My aunt used milk cartons but i was around four yrs old then. My job was to hand her the carton. Thank you.
20 Aug 23, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Put something up the side of the plants to stop the sunlight turning the outside leaves green and bitter. You could google it.
21 Sep 23, Val (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
What are the best celery variety to grow in 4b zone ?
28 Sep 23, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
You can grow whatever you like!

Supermarkets buy from different climates etc.

- Mike

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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