Celery
Harvest Season: Summer, fall
Plant Habit: Upright
Characteristics: Easy care
Water: Medium
Fertilize: Every two weeks
Height: 24" - 36"
Width: 12" - 16"
Exposure: Sun
General Information:
Celery, scientifically known as Apium graveolens, is a cool-season vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is widely cultivated for its crisp stalks and distinct flavor, which adds a refreshing crunch to salads, soups, and other dishes.
Celery requires consistent moisture to thrive. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feed the celery plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to provide them with essential nutrients. Look for a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to promote leafy growth.
Protect your celery plants from common pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation and take appropriate measures, such as using organic insecticides or handpicking the pests.
Celery is typically ready for harvest 85-120 days after transplanting. Look for stalks that are firm, crisp, and have a vibrant green color. To harvest, cut the stalks at the base using a sharp knife or garden shears.
Remember to harvest celery stalks as needed, rather than all at once, to prolong the plant's productivity. Leaves are harvested from the outside ring of stalks inwards, leaving the central growing area to produce more stalks. One celery plant can produce all summer!