How to Grow Celery From Seed

Overview

Celery is one of the least common grocery store vegetables grown by home gardeners. This finicky vegetable requires a long, cool growing season and the proper garden conditions to grow into healthy, edible plants. Grow celery in any area that has at least 16 weeks of average day time temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in either spring or fall. Growing celery successfully may take extra work and planning, but having plenty of this nutritional vegetable nearby, fresh from the garden, is worth it.

Step 1

Fill seed starter pots with nutrient rich soil. Plan for five plants per household member.

Step 2

Sow six to eight seeds per pot 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sprinkle on soil surface then cover with 1/8 inch of soil.

Step 3

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Place the pots in a warm area of your home to germinate, usually within 14 days.

Step 4

Thin seedlings once two pairs of leaves are formed. Remove all but the strongest seedling in each pot.

Step 5

Prepare your outdoor garden bed. Choose a full to partial sun bed. Work compost and a general purpose fertilizer into your garden soil.

Step 6

Plant seedlings outside after your areas last frost date for spring planting, or after summer heat in the fall in mild climates. Plant each seedling 12 inches apart and space rows 2 feet apart. Cover the roots with soil completely.

Step 7

Mulch around plants with straw, chips or other organic mulch to retain moisture and keep back weeds. Water daily.

Step 8

Fertilize every 3 weeks with a general purpose fertilizer. Follow package instructions for your garden size.

Step 9

Tie stalks together at the base of the plant with twine so they don't droop onto soil.

Step 10

Blanch celery 14 days before expected harvest. Wrap a paper tube around the tied stalks or cover completely with mulch to preserve flavor and avoid toughness.