03.
Cultivation & Harvesting
considerations for growing and harvesting celery
climate
Celery grows best in a bright spot out of direct sun, with temperatures of
70° to 75°F during the day and about 60°F at night. Provide plenty of water
and good drainage and air circulation.
soil
Celery grows best in moist, nutrient-rich soil.
growing
In mild areas, celery grows virtually year-round. Elsewhere, start seeds
indoors in January and bed seedlings in early spring after the danger of
frost is over. Soak seeds before planting. Germination typically takes
about ten days. Transplant when seedlings are about 3 inches high at
approximately three months. Space plants about 6 inches apart.
Water copiously. Stalk juiciness depends on how much water the plants receive. Less ideal conditions produce tougher, stringier, more bitter stalks.
harvesting
Harvest celery seeds when they mature. Celery's primary umbels (flowers)
mature first and often shatter before the secondary umbels are dry. It is
best to hand harvest the umbels as they mature. The seeds can be separated
easily as the umbels are harvested and will be fairly clean. Any remaining
dust and debris can be removed by screening or winnowing.
preserving
Store dried celery seed in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.