What To Know
- The first step is to select a healthy celery stalk with a firm base and unblemished leaves.
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will empower you to successfully plant celery from celery and reap the benefits of this versatile vegetable.
- Wrap the celery in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
Growing celery from celery is a cost-effective and sustainable way to enjoy this versatile vegetable in your home garden. By using kitchen scraps, you can easily cultivate fresh celery without purchasing expensive seeds or plants. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to successfully plant celery from celery.
Choosing the Right Celery Stalk
The first step is to select a healthy celery stalk with a firm base and unblemished leaves. Avoid stalks with signs of wilting, bruising, or discoloration. The ideal stalk should be about 6-8 inches long.
Preparing the Celery Base
Using a sharp knife, cut off the bottom 2-3 inches of the celery stalk, including the roots. This section will be used for planting. Remove any remaining leaves or side shoots from the base.
Rooting the Celery Base
Place the celery base in a shallow dish filled with lukewarm water. Submerge the base by about 1 inch and place the dish in a warm, sunny location. Change the water daily to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
Waiting for Roots to Grow
Within a few days, you should notice small roots emerging from the base of the celery. Continue changing the water regularly and wait until the roots are about 1-2 inches long.
Preparing the Soil
While the celery base is rooting, prepare the soil in your garden bed or container. Choose a well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve its fertility.
Planting the Celery Base
Once the roots are sufficiently long, it’s time to plant the celery base. Dig a hole in the prepared soil that is deep enough to accommodate the entire celery base. Place the base in the hole and gently firm the soil around it. Water the celery well.
Growing Conditions
Celery prefers full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Water the celery regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize the celery every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Blanching the Celery
To achieve the characteristic white color of celery stalks, you can blanch the celery. As the celery grows, mound soil around the base of the stalks to cover about 2/3 of their height. Repeat this process every few weeks until the stalks reach the desired length.
Harvesting the Celery
Celery is typically ready to harvest 60-80 days after planting. When the stalks are firm and have reached the desired size, you can harvest them by cutting them at the base with a sharp knife.
Wrapping Up: The Joy of Celery from Celery
Growing celery from celery is a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable. By following these steps, you can easily cultivate your own celery in your backyard or on your kitchen windowsill. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will empower you to successfully plant celery from celery and reap the benefits of this versatile vegetable.
Top Questions Asked
Q: How long does it take to grow celery from celery?
A: Celery typically takes 60-80 days to mature after planting.
Q: Can I grow celery in containers?
A: Yes, celery can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough and have good drainage.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect celery?
A: Common pests include aphids, celery leaf miners, and slugs. Common diseases include bacterial leaf spot and celery mosaic virus.
Q: How can I store celery after harvesting?
A: Celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Wrap the celery in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
Q: Is celery a good source of nutrients?
A: Yes, celery is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
