Celery is a great vegetable that can be used in so many different ways. While it may not grow exactly like other vegetables, it is still quite simple to grow. These are the best tips and information for planting and growing celery in your garden or greenhouse.
Botanical Information: Apium graveolens
Quick Facts:
Celery is a marshland plant.
Celery has a long fibrous stalk tapering into leaves.
All parts of celery have been used in cooking.
Varieties:
Today there are three types of celery. These are:
Pascal
Yellow
Celeriac
Starting:
Set out seedlings when they reach 3 inches (8 cm) tall about the time of the last frost.
Spacing:
Sow seed ⅛ inch deep (3 mm). Seed will germinate in 10 days at 75°F (24°C); soak seed overnight in water before sowing.
Companions and Enemies
You can plant celery next to numerous different plants. The best ones, though are ones that will help the celery grow. These are:
bush beans
cabbage
cauliflower
leeks
onions
spinach
tomatoes
It can be detrimental to celery, though, if you plant it next to potatoes or corn.
Watering :
Celery requires lots of water. Make sure to provide plenty of water during the entire growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. If celery does not get enough water, the stalks will be dry and small.
Light:
Celery is not very frost-hardy, so select a variety that is suited to your climate – and get an early start. It grows best in full sun, but part shade is acceptable.
Pollination:
The flowers are receptive to pollen of the same plant, but the pollen must be transferred from the anthers to receptive stigmas of other flowers by insects. The same is true for green houses, you’ll need to help the plants pollinate by shaking them or adding wind.
Common Problems
Some problems that may occur with celery is that seeds rot or seedlings collapse with dark water-soaked stems as soon as they appear. Also, sometimes the seedlings are stunted or the plants appear stunted. Also, the roots can appear to have knots or beads.
Harvesting
Harvest celery as soon as the stalks are big enough to use about 6 inches or more long from the soil line to the first leaf. Cut off individual stalks or slice off the whole plant at or just below the soil line.
Storing & Preparing
Celery can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks. You can blanch and freeze or can celery to preserve it for longer. Celery is excellent as a fresh snack or part of a vegetable tray. It is also great in soups, pastas, stir fry or other cooked dishes.
Planting and Growing Celery can be easy with these tips.
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