by Celery is a healthy vegetable that is often overlooked. It’s not easy to find fresh celery outside of the grocery store, and even then it can be expensive.
Celery is a healthy vegetable that is often overlooked. It’s not easy to find fresh celery outside of the grocery store, and even then it can be expensive.
You can grow your own celery right at home using this simple guide. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from. Do you know how to grow celery in pots?
How to grow celery at home
Celery is a very cold hardy vegetable. It can thrive in many different environments and climates around the world. If you live in a warmer climate, you can still grow celery in winter.
If you live in a warmer climate, you can still grow celery in winter! Planting your own celery is not only cost effective, but healthier as well since it’s free of any pesticides or chemicals.
It’s a great way to get fresh veggies on hand year round without having to buy them from the store! Let’s take a look at how easy it is to plant your own celery right at home.
How to regrow celery
If yu want to regrow celery, just follow this easy way:
1. Cut off the end of the bottom celery stem
2. Place in water in about a week, the celery will have grown roots and you’re ready to plant it in soil and watch it grow!
3. Replant in soil and choose a sunny area and dig a hole that is about 4 inches wide.
4. Water the celery plant, but don’t over water it because too much will cause root rot.
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How to grow celery in pots
It turns out that yes, container grown celery plants are not only possible but circumvent the vagaries of the weather.
- Celery grown in pots allows you to move the plant around to keep it in an ideal temperature range. You can also start celery early in pots, well before the frost free date in your area and then transplant to a larger container to move outside.
- Let’s look at some tips for growing celery in containers as well as care for celery in a container.
- Choose a container that is at least 8 inches deep and long enough to plant additional celery plants 10 inches apart.
- Don’t use unglazed clay pots, if possible, as they dry out quickly and celery likes to stay moist.
- Plastic containers are a great choice in this instance, as they maintain moist conditions.
- Amend the soil with plenty of organic compost to aid in retaining moisture.
- Plant seeds eight to 12 weeks before the last frost. Germination takes around two weeks.
- Sow seeds only 1/8 to ½ inch deep, covered lightly with soil. For an 8-inch pot, sow five seeds with 2 inches between seeds. I know they’re tiny; do the best you can.
- When the seeds have sprouted, thin out the smallest by half.
- When the plants are 3 inches tall, thin out to one plant. Keep the plants in an area of at least six hours of sun per day with temps between 60-75 F. (15-23 C.) during the day and 60-65 F. (15-18 C.) at night.
- Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- When you are ready to bring the plants into winter, cut the celery stalk down to 3 inches above the pot. If you live in a warm winter climate, you can actually leave it in the pot.
How tall does celery grow
Celery grows tall to about 3 feet tall and it can spreads to a width of about 24 inches.
7 Tips to grow celery
Celery is a healthy vegetable that is often overlooked. It’s not easy to find fresh celery outside of the grocery store, and even then it can be expensive.
Below are some tips to help you grow your own celery at home:
1. Soil
Celery likes to grow in soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 (not too high, not too low).
2. Water
Celery likes to remain moist, but not wet. If you’re growing celery in a container, use a pot with drainage to prevent root rot.
3. Sun
Celery needs at least 6 hours of sun per day.
4. Temperature
Celery can tolerate frost and likes to grow in cooler weather. You often find it for sale in the grocery store when temperatures are starting to cool.
5. Harvest
Celery should be harvested between 60 and 90 days after planting.
6. Storage
Celery should ideally be stored in a plastic bag and in the refrigerator.
7. Pest & disease
U.S.D.A studies have shown that the phytosanitary risk of celery is low, but watch out for aphids, cabbage loopers, cutworms, leaf miners and cabbageworms.
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How long does it take to grow celery?
Celery takes about 2 months to grow, after this time period it can be harvest.
How to Sow Celery Seeds
Celery is a cool season vegetable that can be grown in both the early spring or summer. Plant your celery seeds indoors about eight weeks before your area’s last frost date.
Celery plants are sensitive to low soil temperatures, so it is important that you use a heated propagation mat to ensure the soil temperature remains at a consistent 70 degrees.
Cover your seeds lightly with about ¼ inch of soil and keep them moist, but not soaked, until they germinate.
In about two weeks your celery plants will have sprouted and be ready to transplant.
How to harvest celery
Harvest your celery while the stalks are still young and tender.
Younger celery that is still growing can be harvested by cutting the stalks off with a sharp knife or shears.
If you are harvesting older stalks, twist them gently near the base of the plant and they will come right off.
Storing celery
Celery is best stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
It typically lasts about a week in the fridge.
If you need to store celery for a longer period of time, be sure to blanch it first by plunging the stalks into boiling water for about one minute.
This will soften the celery and allow it to be stored in the freezer, as well as decrease its vitamin content.
Benefits of celery
- Celery is low in calories, sodium (1) and fat.
- It contains folic acid, beta-carotene, potassium and phytochemicals that have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
- Besides, it has a high water content and is a good source of vitamin C, which provides antioxidant support to the cardiovascular system.
- It also contains luteolin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and may be beneficial to those with cardiovascular and joint problems.
- Celery is also high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. (2)
What makes celery taste bitter?
Celery can sometimes become bitter towards the end of its growing season, especially when exposed to extreme dry or hot weather. (3)
A compound called 3-n-butyl phthalide is released by the celery plant in times of stress that causes it to taste bitter.
Celery is typically best when harvested before this compound is released, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks before becoming unpalatable.
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Bottom Line
Celery is a great vegetable to grow in pots. It doesn’t require a lot of space and it’s easy to care for. If you’re looking for an easy way to add fresh vegetables to your diet, try growing celery in pots. You’ll be surprised at how delicious homegrown celery can be!
