What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green thumb journey, learning how to plant celery plant is essential for a successful harvest.
- Cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome and place them in a warm location.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the celery stalks at the base of the plant.
Celery, a versatile vegetable known for its crisp texture and aromatic flavor, is a popular addition to many culinary creations. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green thumb journey, learning how to plant celery plant is essential for a successful harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in planting celery, from seed selection to transplanting and beyond.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step in planting celery is selecting the right variety. There are two main types of celery:
- Green Celery: Known for its vibrant green stalks and milder flavor.
- Red Celery: Has reddish-pink stalks with a slightly sweeter taste.
Consider your personal preferences and the climate in your area when choosing a variety.
Starting Celery Seeds
Celery seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, so starting them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost is recommended.
1. Prepare Seedling Trays: Fill seedling trays with a seed-starting mix.
2. Sow Seeds: Sprinkle celery seeds evenly over the soil surface and lightly press them in.
3. Cover and Keep Warm: Cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome and place them in a warm location.
4. Provide Light: Celery seeds need light to germinate. Place the trays under grow lights or in a sunny window.
5. Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Transplanting Celery Seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted.
1. Prepare the Soil: Choose a well-drained garden bed that receives full sun.
2. Harden Off Seedlings: Gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day before transplanting.
3. Dig Holes: Dig holes 6-8 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
4. Plant Seedlings: Carefully remove the seedlings from the trays and plant them in the holes.
5. Backfill and Water: Fill in the holes with soil and gently firm it around the plants. Water the plants deeply.
Mulching and Watering
Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the celery plants.
Celery requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plants deeply at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves.
Fertilizing
Fertilize celery plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for proper application rates.
Blanching Celery
Blanching celery improves its tenderness and flavor by reducing its exposure to sunlight.
1. Tie Up Stalks: Once the celery stalks are about 6 inches tall, tie them together with twine or rubber bands.
2. Cover with Soil: Gradually cover the tied-up stalks with soil, leaving only the top few inches exposed.
3. Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist during the blanching process.
Harvesting Celery
Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are thick and crisp.
1. Cut Stalks: Use a sharp knife to cut the celery stalks at the base of the plant.
2. Store Celery: Store celery in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Slow Seed Germination: Keep the seeds warm and provide plenty of light.
Leggy Seedlings: Lack of light can cause seedlings to become leggy. Provide more light or move the trays to a brighter location.
Blight: Avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation to prevent blight.
Aphids: Treat aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I plant celery seeds directly in the garden?
A: Yes, but it is not recommended as celery seeds have a low germination rate and take a long time to germinate.
Q: How often should I water celery plants?
A: Water celery plants deeply every few days, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: Why are my celery stalks bitter?
A: Celery stalks can become bitter if they are exposed to too much sunlight during growth. Blanching the stalks helps reduce bitterness.
