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Celery

Apium graveolens

Vegetable

Celery is one of the most demanding vegetables to grow, requiring consistently moist, rich soil and a long cool growing season. Its pungent aromatic compounds make it a useful companion for repelling pests from neighbouring brassicas.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

High

Soil

Rich, moisture-retaining loam; pH 6.0–7.0

Spacing

8–10 inches

Days to Maturity

100–120 days from transplant

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 3–10

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

When to Plant

  • Start Indoors

    10–12 weeks before last frost

  • Transplant

    2 weeks before last frost

  • Harvest

    100–120 days from transplant; blanch stems by mounding soil for milder flavour

Organic Growing Tips

  • Blanch stems by wrapping with cardboard or mounding earth around them 2–3 weeks before harvest.

  • Water consistently and deeply — irregular watering causes hollow stalks and bitter flavour.

  • Use compost tea as a foliar feed monthly to support celery's heavy nitrogen demands.

  • Grow under partial shade in hot climates to prevent bolting and maintain tender stalks.

Common Pests

  • Carrot Fly
  • Celery Leaf Miner
  • Aphids
  • Early Blight
  • Slugs

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.