Lombroso / Public domain
garden
Celery
Apium
Overview
A marshland plant that has been transformed through centuries of selective breeding from a bitter, thin-stalked wild herb into the crisp, mild vegetable we know today. Celery is notoriously demanding to grow, requiring consistent moisture, rich soil, and a long cool season to produce its characteristic crunchy stalks. It remains one of the highest-value crops for dedicated vegetable gardeners.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.1m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, deep, constantly moist muck or loam soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost; tiny seeds need light — press onto surface |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; needs constant moisture and rich soil |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest outer stalks or pull whole plant at 3 months; blanch by mounding soil |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start indoors 12 weeks early; slow to germinate (2-3 weeks) |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant when nights stay above 40°F; bolts if exposed to prolonged cold |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Cut individual stalks from outside or harvest whole plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Start indoors early; transplant in spring |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in rich, moist soil; side-dress with compost monthly |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Harvest before summer heat makes stalks pithy |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Aug — Sep | Transplant in fall for cool-season crop; needs 120+ days |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Harvest during cool season |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall planting only; cannot tolerate heat |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Winter harvest only |
Uses
Culinary
- Raw as a snack or in salads and slaws
- Foundation of mirepoix for stocks and sauces
- Braised whole as a side dish in European cuisine
Medicinal
- Natural diuretic supporting fluid balance
- Contains apigenin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid
- Traditionally used for joint pain and gout
Other Uses
- Leaves used as a soup herb (stronger flavor than stalks)
