Growing celery from seed requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully grow celery from seed:
1. Start by selecting a suitable variety of celery seeds. There are two main types: trenching celery and self-blanching celery. Trenching celery requires the stems to be blanched by earthing up soil around them, while self-blanching varieties do not require this extra step.
2. Prepare the soil before sowing the seeds. Celery prefers moisture-retentive soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.
3. Sow the celery seeds indoors in early spring, about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill a seed tray or small pots with seed-starting mix and lightly press the seeds onto the surface. Cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.
4. Celery seeds are tiny, so it’s important to sow them carefully and not bury them too deep. They require light to germinate, so avoid covering them with too much soil. Mist the soil with water to keep it consistently moist until germination occurs.
5. Place the seed tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature for celery seed germination is around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Use a propagator or cover the tray with plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect, which helps retain moisture.
6. Germination typically takes around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the cover or plastic wrap and provide them with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as celery does not tolerate soggy conditions.
7. When the celery seedlings have grown a couple of inches tall and have developed a few true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two before planting.
8. Choose a site in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it with a garden fork or tiller. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.
9. Dig trenches about 6-8 inches deep and space them about 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety. If growing self-blanching celery, you can skip this step and plant them directly in the soil without trenches.
10. Carefully remove the celery seedlings from their pots or seed tray, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. Plant them in the trenches, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. If growing self-blanching celery, space the seedlings according to the recommended spacing for that variety.
11. Gently backfill the trenches with soil, leaving the tops of the seedlings exposed. For trenching celery, gradually mound soil around the stems as they grow to blanch them and prevent them from turning green and becoming bitter.
12. Water the newly transplanted celery seedlings thoroughly to settle the soil and provide them with hydration. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season, as celery requires ample water to thrive.
13. As the celery plants mature, you can begin harvesting individual stems or wait until the whole head of celery is mature and ready for harvest. Celery can be harvested by cutting the stems at the base or by pulling the entire plant out of the ground.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow celery from seed and enjoy the delicious and nutritious stems it produces. Happy gardening!