Celery & Celeriac Growing Guide
Soil Temp for Germ. | Days to Emergence | Seed Depth | Soil Temp. for Trans. | Plant Spacing | Row Spacing | Min. Germ. | Seed Life | Seeds per 1/2 gram | Fertilizer Needs |
55-70°F | 10-20 | 1/8" | 60-65°F | 12" | 18-24" | 65% | 3 years | ≈ 1000 | High |
Apium graveolens var. dulce Long known as an unsurpassable diet food, celery stalks contain 94% water and only 15 calories in 2 medium stalks. Surprisingly, celery contains about a dozen antioxidants as well as about 37% daily value of vitamin K in 1 cup. Enjoy it in 3 forms: its leaf, the stalks, and the swollen rootstock we know as celeriac.
Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplanting.
Culture
• Celery and celeriac are water-loving plants and do best in fertile, well-drained soil, with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• Apply 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• For consistent growth, fertilize regularly with Age Old Grow, and maintain even soil moisture
• Mulch around plants with clean straw to preserve soil moisture
• Weather fluctuations and temperatures below 55°F can cause celery to bolt
Direct Sowing
• Not recommended
Transplanting
• Sow indoors 10-12 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Avoid planting too early before weather has stabilized
Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Carrot fly
• Insect control: Row covers at planting
• Disease prevention: Crop rotation, adequate water supply, and insect control
Harvest & Storage
• Pick individual stalks as needed
• Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity