Vegetable · Stem
Celery
Apium graveolens
A slow-growing, cool-loving crop grown for its crisp leaf stalks. Needs consistently moist, rich soil and a long, mild season to size up well.
At a glance
Water
High
40–60 fl oz/wk
Light
Full sun
5–8 hrs/day
Space
Small
11 in
To maturity
100–130 days
Edible parts: Stem
Family: Carrot
Includes carrots, celery, parsley, and dill. Known for feathery foliage and umbrella-shaped flower clusters.
Harvest
Cut outer stalks as needed, or harvest the whole plant at the base once it has filled out.
Growing conditions
- Temperature
- 55–70 °F
- Soil pH
- 5.8–6.8
- Soil type
- Compost-rich, moisture-retentive soil that borders on wet but still drains
- Climate
- Cool-season; a long, mild season without heat stress gives the best stalks.
- Growing season
- Start seed indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost; transplant once the season is reliably mild.
- Nitrogen
- High (≈60–100 ppm)
- Humidity
- High (≈60–80 %)
- Planting unit
- Seedling
- Feeding schedule
- Steady feeding throughout the long growing season keeps stalks from turning stringy.
- Pest resistance
- Low - susceptible to leaf blight and aphids in humid, still conditions
- Pruning
- None beyond harvesting outer stalks.
Where it grows
- In-Ground GardenIdeal
- Raised BedIdeal
- Container / PotPossible— Needs a deep pot and very consistent watering.
- HydroponicPossible— Can work in NFT systems with steady nutrient flow.
- Vertical / TrellisNot recommended— No climbing or vining habit.
- WindowsillNot recommended— Long season and high water needs don't suit a windowsill.
Companions & antagonists
No known companion pairings yet.
Sources
- Growing Celery & Celeriac: How to Sow, Grow & Care For — Johnny's Selected Seeds