Commonly used in a lot of varied culinary preparations, celery is a staple for those who love it in salads, soups, stews, and more. This biennial plant, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is not only versatile in the kitchen but also packed with numerous health benefits.
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Growing celery from seed can be a rewarding experience, especially when you start from seeds. While celery requires patience and care, it’s entirely possible to grow it in your garden or even in containers on your balcony. By following these simple steps given below, you can enjoy fresh, crisp stalks from your garden.
Choosing The Right Location
Celery prefers cool weather and requires plenty of sunlight to grow well. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you’re growing celery in containers, place them in a sunny spot, like a balcony or patio.
Additionally, ensure the location in which you are planning to plant celery has good air circulation to prevent any diseases from affecting your plants.
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Soil Preparation
Celery requires nutrient-rich soil to grow strong and healthy in the garden. So start by adding organic matter into the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Celery thrives healthy in soil that retains moisture but drains well, so adding compost will help improve the soil’s structure.
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However, the soil prepared should be loose and loamy, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, ensure the soil is free from weeds, as they can take over the nutrients provided to the celery plant.
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Start Growing Celery From Seeds Or Stalks
At the main step of the plantation, you can start growing celery either from seeds or from a stalk you’ve bought from the nursery. If you’re using seeds, start them indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Celery seeds are tiny, so scatter them lightly over the soil and press them down without covering them too deeply.
However, on the other hand, if you’re growing from a stalk, cut the bottom of the stalk and place it in a shallow dish of water. Once roots and shoots begin to develop, transplant the celery into the soil.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once your celery seedlings have grown about 3 to 4 inches tall and the weather has warmed up, it’s the perfect time to transplant them outside. Space the seedlings about 8 to 10 inches apart, leaving enough room for them to spread properly as they grow. If you’re growing celery in containers, ensure the container is at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the roots. Water the seedlings well after transplanting to help them settle into their new home.
Watering
Celery plants need consistent moisture to thrive, so watering the plants should be the top priority. The soil should be kept consistently moist but remember, not waterlogged. Water deeply at least once a week, and more frequently during dry spells. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.
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Fertilising The Plants
To ensure healthy growth, feed your celery plants with a balanced fertiliser. Celery is a heavy feeder, meaning it needs plenty of nutrients throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced fertiliser every two to four weeks to keep the plants strong. You can use a liquid fertiliser or a slow-release granular fertiliser. Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion also work well. Fertilising ensures that your celery has all the nutrients it needs to develop thick, crunchy stalks.
Harvesting
Celery takes about 3 to 4 months to mature. You’ll know it’s ready to harvest when the stalks are about 8 inches tall and firm to the touch. To harvest, cut the outer stalks first, leaving the inner stalks to continue growing. Alternatively, you can harvest the entire plant by cutting it at the base. Celery can be harvested throughout the growing season if it remains healthy. Freshly harvested celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.