Celery Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Celery Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Celery

Planting:
Begin indoors from late winter through mid-spring. Aim for a soil temperature of 15-24°C (60-75°F) for optimal germination, which may take 20-30 days.


Seed Starting:
Place seeds lightly at a depth of no more than 5mm (¼"), sowing 3 seeds per pot. Thin out to keep only the most vigorous seedling.


Growing:
Celery thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and requires nutrient-rich, consistently moist soil. Enrich the soil with compost and add ¼-½ cup of complete organic fertilizer for every 1.5m (5′) row. Transplant seedlings when they reach 10-12cm (4-5″) in height, ensuring nighttime temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).

Space plants 30cm (12″) apart in rows that are at least 45cm (18″) apart. Regular watering is crucial. Note: Exposure to low temperatures (below 13°C or 55°F) for extended periods can trigger early bolting.


Harvesting:
For better flavour and storage, it's recommended to water the celery plants thoroughly one day before harvesting. You can pick the outer stalks whenever you need them, but it's best to wait until the entire plant reaches the desired size before harvesting it.

If you have a home garden, it's recommended to harvest sparingly so you can leave the root intact and enjoy continuous growth. In mild winters, celery can stay in the garden until spring, providing fresh celery for cooking.

Diseases & Pests

Aphids:
To combat aphids, spray celery plants with water and a few drops of dish soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs into your garden. Consider applying neem oil or insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas for severe infestations.


Whiteflies:
Use yellow sticky traps to catch adult whiteflies and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the undersides of leaves where larvae and adults congregate. Ensure good air circulation around plants to deter these pests.


Cutworms:
Protect young celery plants with collars made from cardboard or plastic cut into strips and pressed into the soil around the stem. Regularly check for and remove cutworms by hand during evening hours.


Tarnished Plant Bug:
Keep the garden area free of weeds and debris where tarnished plant bugs may hide. Use floating row covers to protect plants, and apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil if you spot these pests on your celery.


Cabbage Loopers:
Handpick and remove cabbage loopers from your celery plants. Floating row covers can also prevent adult moths from laying eggs on the plants. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an effective organic treatment against young larvae.


Celery Mosaic Virus:
There is no cure for plants infected with celery mosaic virus, so prevention is critical. Control aphid populations, as they are common vectors, and remove and destroy any infected plants to prevent the spread of the virus.


Leaf Blight
Improve air circulation around plants and water at the base to keep foliage dry, reducing the risk of leaf blight. If blight appears, apply a copper-based fungicide early to prevent its spread.


Black Heart:
Black heart is caused by calcium deficiency, often due to erratic watering. Ensure consistent moisture by mulching around your celery plants, and consider adding calcium to the soil through lime or gypsum amendments to prevent this physiological disorder.