How to grow celery
Celery is one of those vegetables that you either really love or you really hate.
Many people are not too keen on its slightly bitter taste or its strong flavour. It doesn't help either, that it has a reputation for being one of the most difficult vegetables to grow, and so many gardeners tend not to bother.
Many people are not too keen on its slightly bitter taste or its strong flavour. It doesn't help either, that it has a reputation for being one of the most difficult vegetables to grow, and so many gardeners tend not to bother.
However, it must be said that home grown celery, if cultivated under the correct conditions, has a much more delicate and milder flavour and texture than the celery found in our supermarkets - and don't forget that celery is great for watching your weight, as it contains almost zero calories!
Soil conditions for growing celery
The correct type of soil for growing celery is a rich and fertile one that retains moisture and that has a slightly acidic pH of between 5.8 and 6.8. The moisture retaining properties of a soil can be enhanced by adding plenty of well-rotted manure or compost.
Climate conditions for growing celery
The celery plant prefers a cool and moist climate, yet temperatures below 13°C (55°F) during the day and 4°C (40°F) at night will cause the plants to bolt, and continuous frost will also destroy the whole crop.
The plants are started off inside approximately 8 - 10 weeks before the last frosts have disappeared and are planted out when the temperature is consistently above 13°C (55°F).
Celery requires a huge amount of water and therefore the more rain the better. However, for all the rain and coolness that the celery plant loves, it still requires 6 hours a day of sunlight in order to produce the tastiest stalks.
A lack of water and conditions that are too hot or dry will cause the celery stalks to become stringy and tough.
The plants are started off inside approximately 8 - 10 weeks before the last frosts have disappeared and are planted out when the temperature is consistently above 13°C (55°F).
Celery requires a huge amount of water and therefore the more rain the better. However, for all the rain and coolness that the celery plant loves, it still requires 6 hours a day of sunlight in order to produce the tastiest stalks.
A lack of water and conditions that are too hot or dry will cause the celery stalks to become stringy and tough.
Soil preparation
The soil should be dug with organic compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting out. Ensure that all large stones and weeds are removed. One week before you plant the seedlings, rake a general fertiliser into the top layer of the soil.
Sowing the celery seeds
As the celery seeds are so tiny and fiddly they are generally started off indoors and are sown into small pots, containers or seed trays that have been filled with compost.
Sprinkle a few seeds into your chosen recipient, cover with a little soil and water. Place the container onto a sunny windowsill, into a greenhouse or heated propagator and ensure that you water the seeds daily.
Once germination has taken place and the seedlings are about 2 - 5cm (1 - 2 inch) tall, thin out, removing the weakest seedlings and continue this process after each spurt of growth, so that you are left with only the sturdiest plant.
Sprinkle a few seeds into your chosen recipient, cover with a little soil and water. Place the container onto a sunny windowsill, into a greenhouse or heated propagator and ensure that you water the seeds daily.
Once germination has taken place and the seedlings are about 2 - 5cm (1 - 2 inch) tall, thin out, removing the weakest seedlings and continue this process after each spurt of growth, so that you are left with only the sturdiest plant.
Planting out the celery seedlings
When the seedlings have reached a height of 10 - 15cm (4 - 6 inch) tall and have approximately 5 or 6 true leaves, they will be ready to be planted out. Ensure that the outside temperatures are as described above and that the bed has been adequately prepared.
Before planting out the seedlings must be hardened off for 2 - 3 weeks in order to accustom them to the cooler outside temperatures.
Before planting out the seedlings must be hardened off for 2 - 3 weeks in order to accustom them to the cooler outside temperatures.
Self-blanching celery
Nowadays many gardeners use the relatively modern breed of celery, which is the self-blanching type. With this variety the seedlings can be transplanted into flat soil, whereas the blanching variety must be planted into deep trenches and require much more care and attention, particularly when the blanching process is started.
If using the self-blanching variety, plant the seedlings 20 - 25cm (8 - 10inch) apart in rows that are 90cm apart.
If using the self-blanching variety, plant the seedlings 20 - 25cm (8 - 10inch) apart in rows that are 90cm apart.
Blanching variety of celery
These days the self-blanching variety of celery is extremely popular, however for those that still prefer the older method of planting the seedlings in trenches, carry out the following instructions.
The trenches must be prepared in advance and they should be dug to approximately 3ft deep and 30cm (1ft) wide with a distance of 3ft between trenches. Return the soil together with equal quantities of organic material such as manure or well-rotted compost, filling the last 15cm (6inch) will soil only.
Then, make holes approximately 15cm (6inch) deep and 30cm (1ft) apart and plant the seedlings inside.
The trenches must be prepared in advance and they should be dug to approximately 3ft deep and 30cm (1ft) wide with a distance of 3ft between trenches. Return the soil together with equal quantities of organic material such as manure or well-rotted compost, filling the last 15cm (6inch) will soil only.
Then, make holes approximately 15cm (6inch) deep and 30cm (1ft) apart and plant the seedlings inside.
The blanching process
Two weeks before harvesting, which will depend on the variety of celery, cover the stalks by creating mounds of soil around them so that all of the light is blocked out and continue to do so as the stalks continue to grow. Alternatively, place cylinders made from paper or plastic around the stems for the same purpose. The paler the stalks through lack of sunlight reaching them, the less bitter the flavour of the celery.
Caring for the celery plants
The celery plant, possibly more than most vegetables, requires plenty of water and frequent watering, particularly in hot and dry weather.
Mulching around the plants will also help to retain moisture and suppress weeds, which must be removed by careful hoeing.
Regular feeding with a liquid fertiliser with boost growth and produce long stalks.
Mulching around the plants will also help to retain moisture and suppress weeds, which must be removed by careful hoeing.
Regular feeding with a liquid fertiliser with boost growth and produce long stalks.
Harvesting the celery
The celery is ready to harvest once it has reached a height of approximately 30cm (1ft). Cut the stalks just above soil level as required, wash and store in the refrigerator. Alternatively, pull the whole plant or gently lift from the ground with a garden fork. Celery will keep well for several weeks in the refrigerator.
