Introduction

Celery is a long-season crop that grows best under cool conditions (60°F to 75°F) with an ample and uniform supply of water.  Although this crop will withstand light frosts, bolting (premature seeding) will occur if temperatures below 40°F persist over a period of 10 to 14 days.  Celery should be seeded 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting in the field.  Keep greenhouse temperatures above 55°F to prevent bolting and ensure continuous development.

A deep, loamy and fertile soil with an abundance of available moisture is ideal for celery.  Irrigation is necessary on sandy soils.  Even though most of the celery root system is within top 6" of soil, many roots penetrate as deep as 2 feet; thus, heavy clay soils are unsuitable.

Types and Varieties  

Celery                       Celeriac

Pascal Strains              Brilliant

Utah 52-70 Strains

Sabroso Tango 

Soil Fertility

Apply lime according to soil test to maintain soil pH at 6.0 to 6.8. Maintain a high level of calcium to avoid blackheart.

Use a liquid starter fertilizer at transplanting, especially with cool soil conditions. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer mixed at a rate of 3 lbs/50 gals of water.  Apply 8 fl oz (1 cup) per transplant

Sidedress 50 lb/A of N 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting. On light soils, a second sidedressing may be necessary.  The second sidedressing application of nitrogen can be reduced or eliminated if manure was applied or a legume sod was plowed down (see Tables 3 and 4 for information on Nitrogen Credits).

Celery is very susceptible to magnesium and calcium deficiencies. Magnesium requirements can be partially met by using dolomitic (high magnesium) limestone.  Any further need of magnesium can be met by spraying the plants with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) at 8 lb/A per week until green color is restored.  Adequate applications of calcium will prevent a disorder known as blackheart, where the growing tips of the heart die and turn black.

Boron, manganese and copper are also critical in the growth and development of celery. Tissue analysis is the best method of determining the sufficiency of these elements for future crops

Planting

One ounce of seed produces about 15,000 plants.  User 2 to 4 oz to produce enough plants for one acre (20,000-58,000 plants).  Space rows 18" to 36" apart and 6" to 12" between plants in rows (100 to 200 plants per 100 feet of row)   

Harvest

Cut the whole stalk of celery instead of individual petioles.  Freshly harvested celery may have a bitter flavor, which can be improved by storing at 32°F to 34°F for a few days.  Chilling injury can result if the storage temperature falls below 32°F .