Celery
A challenging but rewarding crop, requiring consistent moisture and rich soil to produce crisp, tender stems. Trench varieties need blanching.
Celery seeds
£2.29 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March – April, indoors in seed trays on a warm propagator
Plant out
Late May – early June, after hardening off
Harvest
August – October, when stalks are thick and well-formed
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Absolutely essential to keep soil consistently moist; never let it dry out.
Soil
Very rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
20-30cm (8-12") between plants; 45cm (18") between rows
Containers
Possible in very large, deep containers if kept well-watered and fed
Indoors
Best started indoors; not suitable for growing to maturity indoors.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Weekly liquid feed once plants are established, especially for trench celery.
Pruning
Remove any yellowing or damaged outer stalks.
Harvesting
Harvest entire plant or cut outer stalks as needed. For blanching, mound soil up around stalks 4-6 weeks before harvest.
Storage
Store in the fridge, wrapped in a damp cloth or foil, for 1-2 weeks.
Good companions: Cabbage, Bush beans, Leeks