How to Grow Celery
DOWNLOADMay 19, 2016
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Celery/Celeriac (Apium graveolens)
- Family: Apiaceae (Carrot)
- Season: Cool
- Ease of growing: Difficult
- Nutrient needs: High
- Water needs: High
- Common propagation: Transplant
Seed facts
- Germination temperature: 40°F to 85°F
- Germination time: 14 to 21 days
- Viability: 5 years
Transplants
- Weeks to grow transplants: 8 to 10
- Start: March
- Plant out: May to June
- Succession sow: Every 3 weeks
Planning facts
- Typical spacing: 6” x 24”
- Plants per square foot: 1
- Time to harvest: 80 to 120 days from transplants
Variety selection
Celery and celeriac (celery root) are both in the carrot family and are closely related to each other. Celery has been selected by breeders for its enlarged leaf petioles, and celeriac for its root. Most seed catalogs have very few celery or celeriac varieties to choose from. Conquistador is a relatively fast maturing celery variety that is easier to grow than some of the longer-season, more productive varieties like Green Bay.
Preparation and planting
Both crops grow best in high organic matter soil since they are heavy feeders and need abundant and consistent moisture. Incorporate generous amounts of organic matter in the soil and insure adequate calcium to avoid “black heart.” Harden off transplants by reducing water, not temperatures, since cool temperatures can induce bolting in these plants.
Care
Celery is shallow rooted and needs frequent watering. Avoid overhead watering to minimize potential disease problems. Mulching when the plants are about 6 inches tall can help preserve soil moisture. Side-dressing N at monthly intervals is recommended for optimal growth. Use caution when tilling to protect shallow roots.
Major pests
Insects: Aphids, aster leafhoppers, carrot rust flies, carrot weevils, cutworms, root knot nematodes, lesion nematodes.
Diseases: Early and late blights, fusarium yellows, celery mosaic virus, black heart, pink rot, aster yellows.
Harvest and storage
Harvest celery as individual stalks using outside stalks first, or pull the entire plant. Cut off the roots and chill quickly in cold water. Refrigerate in a plastic bag. Celeriac can be stored in deep boxes with moist soil or sand around the roots. Store the boxes in a cool place. Ideal storage conditions are near freezing and high humidity.
Developed by James Manning, Undergraduate Research Assistant, and Daniel Brainard, Vegetable Extension Specialist; MSU Department of Horticulture; Gary Heilig, MSU Extension educator.
