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Celery
Apium graveolens
Long, thirsty and demanding — but crisp homegrown stalks are a revelation.
Sun
Full sun
Water
Constant, generous
Soil
Very rich, moist, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
25 cm apart
Days to harvest
120–150 days
Hardiness
Zones 3–10
Seasonal Calendar
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
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Sow Harvest
The method
- 1
Sow in modules
Surface sow — seeds need light. Keep at 20°C.
- 2
Plant in a trench
Traditional method: plant in a shallow trench of enriched soil for easy blanching.
- 3
Water constantly
Any dry spell makes stalks stringy and bitter.
- 4
Blanch or self-blanch
Tie stalks and wrap with newspaper, or grow self-blanching varieties in a block.
Common problems
Stringy stalks
Water more — you almost cannot overwater celery.
Slugs
Beer traps and hand-picking, especially at night.
Good neighbors
LeekCabbageTomato
Field tips
- “Cut individual stalks as needed rather than lifting the whole plant.”
- “Save the leaves — they make an incredible stock.”