celeryApium graveolens var. dulce

celery

celery

1. celery

1. celery

1. celery
2. stalk celery

1. Tracheophyta
2. Magnoliopsida

Carrot family

1. Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
2. Apium graveolens var. secalinum

1. stalks
2. leaves

Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce)

Crisp stalks for soup, salad, and snacks

Celery is a crisp, aromatic vegetable equally popular raw and cooked. The long, juicy stalks are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Biennial heavy feeder from the carrot family (Apiaceae). Requires a sunny to partially shaded location with humus-rich, deep soil and even water supply. Sow from February indoors, plant out after the Ice Saints. Harvest from July to October.

1. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Sow indoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2

   ConditionHeated propagation area available

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Cover seeds lightly, keep evenly moist.

1. Taskprick_out

   Label

   Prick out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionSeedlings have first true leaves

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Prick out into individual pots 8 cm diameter.

1. Taskharden_off

   Label

   Harden off

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionDaytime temperatures above 10 °C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Place plants outdoors in sheltered spot during day, bring in at night.

2. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Plant out

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionNo frost forecast

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Spacing 30–40 cm, row spacing 40 cm.

1. Taskdirect_sow

   Label

   Direct sow

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionSoil temperature > 10 °C

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, keep moist.

2. Taskwater_regularly

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionDry weather

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Even moisture is important.

1. Taskweed_control

   Label

   Weed control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionAs needed

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Keep beds weed-free.

2. Taskwater

   Label

   Water

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionDry period

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Ensure even water supply.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionStalks > 2 cm diameter

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Harvest stalks from outer to inner.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Main harvest period.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Continue harvest.

1. Taskfinal_harvest

   Label

   Final harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionBefore first hard frost

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Harvest all before frost.

Sunny to partial shade

Wind protected

Celery prefers a wind-protected, sunny site with humus-rich soil.

Humus-rich, deep, nutrient-rich

The soil should be loose, well water-retentive, and not too heavy.

Drip irrigation preferred

Regularly, especially in dry conditions

Even moisture is critical for developing tender stalks.

Incorporate compost before planting; top-dress every 4 weeks with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer during growth.

Celery is a heavy feeder and requires ample nutrients.

Celery should return to the same bed only after 3–4 years. Good preceding crops are cabbage, legumes, or leek. Avoid planting after other Apiaceae.

Celery is a heavy feeder and should return to the same bed only after 3–4 years. Good preceding crops are cabbage, legumes, or leek. Avoid planting after other Apiaceae (carrot family) such as carrots, parsley, or celeriac to prevent soil fatigue and the spread of celery scab.

1. cabbage family
2. legumes
3. leek

1. Apiaceae (celery, carrots, parsley, fennel)

1. aphids
2. carrot fly
3. whitefly

1. leaf spot diseases (Septoria)
2. Fusarium wilt
3. downy mildew

1. Maintain crop rotation (at least 3–4 years)
2. Choose a well-ventilated site
3. Use healthy seed
4. Water in the morning, not in the evening

If brown spots with yellow halos appear on leaves, it is likely Septoria leaf spot. Yellow, wilting leaves with discolored vascular tissue suggest Fusarium wilt. Aphids are recognized by leaf curling and sticky residue.

1. Slugseptoria-leaf-spot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Wet weather
   2. Soil contact
   3. Insufficient crop rotation

   Affected parts

   1. leaves
   2. stalks

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Copper spray as preventive
   3. Resistant varieties

   Organic control

   1. Baking soda spray (1 tsp per liter of water)
   2. Strengthen with nettle tea

1. Symptom

   Brown spots on leaves with yellow margin

   Possible causes

   1. Septoria-Blattflecken

   First checks

   1. Examine spots on leaf underside with a magnifying glass
   2. Check soil moisture
2. Symptom

   Yellow, wilting leaves, dark vascular tissue

   Possible causes

   1. Fusarium-Welke

   First checks

   1. Check cut stalk for brown rings
   2. Soil test for Fusarium

Celery diagnosis guide

1. 1. Check leaves for spots, curling, or discoloration.
2. 2. Examine stalks for firmness and color.
3. 3. Assess soil moisture and nutrient supply.
4. 4. If pests suspected: use magnifying glass and inspect leaf undersides.
5. 5. If diseases suspected: document affected area and submit a sample if needed.

Early detection is crucial. If in doubt, consult a plant protection advisor.

1. Germination
2. Seedling
3. Leaf development
4. Stalk formation
5. Harvest
6. Flowering (2nd year)

In the first year, celery forms a rosette of leaves and thick, juicy stalks. The plant is biennial; flowering and seed production occur only in the second year after a cold period (vernalization).

Ongoing: harvest outer, mature stalks every 1–2 weeks.

1. Stalk diameter at least 2 cm
2. Stalks firm and crisp
3. Dark green, glossy color
4. No yellowing or hollow stalks

Remove leaves after harvest and store stalks cool and moist. Use or process quickly as stalks lose aroma rapidly.

Short-term storage (refrigerator).

1–2 weeks in the refrigerator; at room temperature only 2–3 days.

1. Freezing (blanched)
2. Drying
3. Juicing
4. Soup stock
5. Pureeing

1. stalks
2. leaves

1. Root (unless herbicide-free)
2. Seeds (strongly aromatic, use sparingly)

Celery contains small amounts of psoralens (furocoumarins), which can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals combined with UV light. Harmless in normal consumption amounts.

Yes, safe to eat raw. Wash thoroughly before consumption.

Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) is a biennial herbaceous vegetable. No woody varieties or rootstocks are relevant. Training and pruning associated with woody crops do not apply.

Celery flowers in the second year attract flies and beetles but provide little specific ecological value.