How to Grow Celery From Seed

Today we'll show you how to grow celery from seed. Celery, one of the most used vegetables in the world, can add abundant flavor to any soups, stews, or salads. Its crunchy texture is much loved in salads, while the flavor it gives out in soups and stews is much welcomed! Although celery isn't the easiest vegetable to grow, as it requires a lot of moisture, and if not done right, can wilt and dye very quickly.

We've tried growing celery from seeds a few different ways, but we found that the absolute best and most successful way to grow celery from seed is in homemade self-watering planters. The reason why this method was the most successful was because the celery received a continuous and steady supply of water (which it really needs!) and there was no worry about weeds. Plus, the only maintenance it really needs afterwards is just water replenishment! Plenty of water is the key to growing beautiful, healthy celery. Remember that the celery plant is composed of 95% water!

Celery is a cool weather plant and will therefore need 16 weeks of cool weather to come to a full harvest. In cooler climate, plant celery early in the spring. In warmer regions, plant celery in late summer for a late autumn/early winter harvest. The celery plant is a hardy biennial and is grown mainly for its stalks. Growing your own celery is a great idea, because commercially grown celery (store bought celery) is one of the most pesticide laden vegetables, so homegrown celery IS the way to go!

Celery Plant Climate:

Celery plants require a temperate climate. This means not too cold and not too hot! As we mentioned above, celery plants are a cool weather crop, and will therefore thrive in cooler weather.

When to Plant Celery:

Depending on where you live, you can plant celery either in the spring or in the fall. Plant celery in the spring in colder areas, or plant it in the fall in warmer areas. Those that live in colder climates, should plant in early spring, while those that live in warmer climates, should plant in late summer. Celery thrives in temperatures of 60-70F.

When to Harvest Celery:

You can harvest your celery plant once it has reached maturity and it actually looks like a celery plant! Celery has a long growing season, and will usually reach maturity within 125 days.

How to Grow Celery

Celery takes a while to grow, so you'll need to start planting your celery seeds indoors before transplanting them outdoors. Start your celery seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost.

1. Fill a pot with pre-moistened seed starting mix, and sprinkle a few of the seeds on top of the soil.
2. Mist with water and cover with 1/8 inch of seed starting mix. Press down gently to make sure seeds are secure.
3. Keep in a warm place and cover with a plastic bag or dome. Make sure the soil is constantly moist.
4. Celery seeds will take about 2-3 weeks to germinate, so be patient!
5. Once seeds have germinated, remove plastic cover and place under lights, always making sure to keep the soil nice and moist.

Once seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, thin to the strongest plant by snipping the others with scissors. You can now also begin to water with diluted fish emulsion or a compost tea every 2 weeks. Because celery roots are only a few inches deep, be sure to fertilize on the top soil. Again, make sure to keep the soil moist throughout this time.

Once your plants have reach 5-6 inches, transfer them to bigger pots. Make sure the pots have proper drainage, and keep the soil moist at all times. Do not fertilize anymore! Celery plants prefer rich, fertile potting soil. Rich soil and plenty of water are key to successfully grown celery stalks.

You can begin to harden off the celery plants about 3 weeks before your last expected frost date. Hardening off simply means allowing your plant to get used to being outdoors, to the sunlight, the warmth, and the overall different environment. Start off by placing your plant outdoors in a sheltered location just for a few hours a day. Increase the timing each day, and slowly allow the plant to stay outdoors overnight once temperatures have reached above 50F.

It is now time to transfer your celery plant into a self-watering planter. You can purchase one or make one yourself! We planted 4 celery seedlings to each 18 gallon self-water container. Keep the water reservoir full at all times – remember that celery loves water! Your celery will now start to grow! All that's left to do is harvest and keep watering!