Celery is more of a herb and less of a vegetable. With a strong flavor and presence in the Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, this herb is not something that can be ignored. In comparison to Basil, of course Celery comes in second, but it isn't a herb you can simply ignore for too long. Some claim that Celery was originally native to Europe before its variegated strains became prevalent in other parts of the world, specifically Asia. Celery is a highly potent herb and extremely nutritionally dense. It is a low-calorie herb and consists of many antioxidants. It's also rich in folic acid, Vitamin-K, riboflavin, niacin, and others. People also extract essential oils from Celery to be used as an effective carminative and galactogogue (helps in breast milk secretion) and a remedy for curing nervous system ailments such as headaches and irritability.
You can use Celery seeds, the leaves, and even the stem to add to your dishes or to garnish them. Celery seeds can even be eaten raw. With so many health and culinary benefits, you must add this easy-to-grow herb in your kitchen gardens right away!
Growing guide for Celery Seeds
Planting instructions
Prior to planting, soak seeds in warm water overnight to reduce germination time. Work organic fertilizer or compost into the ground before implanting.
Celery seeds should always be sowed indoors first for best success rate, 8 to 10 weeks before the average last frost date in your area.
For summer gardeners, a late summer direct sowing is possible.
Harden off seedlings before transplanting by reducing water slightly, and keeping them outdoors for a couple hours at daytime.
Transplant seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart, direct sow seeds ¼ inch deep. This will necessitate to be reduced to 12 inches apart when they get to about six inches high.
Growing Requirements
watering
Celery requires lots of water. Make sure to provide plenty of water during the entire growing season, especially during the hot and dry weather.
pests
Celery may show brown spots, blisters, slow/stunted growth, chewed stems, yellow leaves, holes in leaves etc. It can be the result of the pests like Cutworms, Aphids, Whiteflies, Bolting, Mosaic Virus, Fusarium Wilt.
soil
Celery prefers moist, rich, well-composted soil with a pH ranging from 6 to 6.5.
spot
Celery requires full sun to light shade.
temperature
The temperature should stay between 13 and 21ºC [55 and 70ºF] throughout growing period.
how to harvest
The parts of celery that are mainly harvested include the stalks, which will be above ground.
Harvest stalks from the outside in when they are about 8 inches tall.
Celery can be kept in the garden for up to a month, if soil is built up around it to maintain an ideal temperature.
The darker the stalks become, the more nutrients they will contain.
Keep celery in a plastic bag when refrigerating. It should be used within two weeks.
