Scientifically known as Apium graveolens, Celery is a popular vegetable... and with good reason! It is widely beloved for its crunchy texture and unique flavor, and some say that it is an acquired taste, and a wonderful one at that!
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Widely used in a lot of varied culinary preparations, Celery is a staple for those who love it in salads, soups, stews, and more. This biennial plant, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is not only versatile in the kitchen but also packed with numerous health benefits. Growing celery from seed can be a rewarding experience, especially when you start from seeds.
So, let's look at what makes this vegetable so beloved and also how to grow celery to home so that you can grow your own!
• Benefits of Growing Your Own Celery Plant at Home
Celery is a beloved vegetable across the world and is known for its countless health benefits. So, here are a few pros we know will make you fall in love with this crunchy vegetable:
1. Rich in Essential Nutrients
If you're looking to watch your weight, you're gonna love this vegetable! Low in calories yet high in other nutrients, Celery is a wonderful vegetable for everyone. It consists of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and dietary fiber. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation in the body can be caused by a variety of things. Oftentimes, we are made to take medicines for the same. But for the less severe cases that need no medication to heal, vegetables like Celery are great.
Celery contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation in the body. This can also be very beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, when consumed in the right amounts.
3. Digestive Health
Digestive issues are more common than you'd think. They often go unnoticed and are not easily observable unless examined properly. To curb such issues, eating the right kinds of food is essential, and Celery is absolutely perfect.
The high fiber content in celery promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. Additionally, celery contains a compound called apiuman, which has been shown to support the lining of the stomach and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
4. Hydration
Celery is composed of about 95% water, making it an excellent food for hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, kidney function, and overall bodily functions.
Are you completely sold on the idea of Celery? Because we are! Once you've got your mind set on growing celery, the next question is how to plant and grow celery. So, here's what you need to know:
• How Long Do Celery Seeds Take to Germinate and How Can You Make the Process Faster?
Usually, celery seeds are slightly slower to germinate. So, waiting for them to germinate fully can require a lot more patience and time. Speeding things up is often what people do. But remember, making them germinate faster does not mean that they will begin sprouting celery in 3 days.
Here's what you must do:
1. Soak the Seeds
Before planting them, soak your celery seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours. What this does is it helps in softening the hard coat of the seed and accelerating the germination process.
2. Prepare the Soil for Planting
When planting seeds, always remember to pick a seed-starter mix or some well-aerated mix that will allow your seeds to germinate and grow their roots. For your celery plant, you must pick a soil that is rich in organic matter and allows enough space for your plant's roots to grow and develop.
3. Sow Your Seeds
Dig small holes around 1/8 inches deep. When using a seedling tray, it is easy to just start your seeds off as the spacing is already made. Once the seeds are in the hole, lightly cover them with soil and water gently to avoid displacing any of the seeds.
4. Maintain Moisture
Ever wondered how much water is too much water? Well, when you're watering seeds, the most important thing to remember is that you must not suffocate them. So, keep the soil slightly moist at all times but never waterlogged. Celery plant seeds require larger amounts of moisture to germinate and grow, so don't skip this step!
5. Provide Warmth and Light
Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Using a seedling heat mat can help maintain a consistent temperature. Once the seeds sprout, ensure they receive plenty of light, either from a sunny window or grow lights.
• Growing Celery from Seed: What's Next?
Once your seeds have germinated - after a long wait - it's time for the next steps! What must you do? Here's how to go about it:
1. Transplanting Seedlings
When your precious seedlings have grown and developed at least two true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted! Gently transplant these seedlings into individual pots or directly into your garden bed, ensuring each plant is spaced about 8-10 inches apart.
2. Selecting the Right Location
Celery growth is best done in a spot that receives full sun. Your growing plants must receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight everyday, allowing them to grow and thrive in the conditions they need.
3. Celery Soil Requirements
Since the seeds have now been transplanted, their soil must also be prepared properly to ensure that they are receiving all the nutrients and space they need. Ensure that the soil is enriched with a lot of organic matter such as cow manure or goat manure. Additionally, the best soil to grow celery usually has enough drainage and aeration.
4. Planting Depth
Plant the seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their pots. Avoid planting them too deep, as this can hinder growth.
5. Watering Your Celery
As we mentioned, celery requires moisture. So, watering this plant regularly is a must. Ensure that you're watering the plant but it not waterlogged. It must remain evenly moist and mulching around the plants will also allow the retention of this moisture.
6. Fertilizer for Celery
Vegetables do well when fed with balanced and organic fertilizers. For celery, you can use such a fertilizer every 2-3 weeks and you can make use of Bone Meal for the best results, too!
• Celery Plant Care Upon Maturation
When caring for this vegetable, creating the perfect celery growing conditions isn't so difficult when you know what to do. So, here are a few things you can do to ensure a smoother growing process:
1. Weeding
Keep the area around your celery plants free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Hand-pulling or shallow cultivation is recommended to avoid damaging the shallow roots of the celery plants.
2. Pest and Disease Management
Watch for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Ensure proper air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf blight.
3. Staking and Support
As celery plants grow taller, they may require staking or support to prevent them from falling over, especially in windy conditions.
• Harvesting and Storage of Your Celery Plant
Knowing when and how to harvest celery is crucial for getting the best flavor and texture. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Harvest Time
Celery is typically ready to harvest 85-120 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Stalks should be firm and about 12 inches tall.
2. Harvesting Technique
Use a sharp knife to cut the entire plant at the base or harvest individual stalks as needed. Harvest in the morning when the plants are at their crispest.
3. Post-Harvest Care
After harvesting, remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. Rinse the celery stalks thoroughly under cold water.
4. Storage
Store celery in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or wrapped in a damp cloth to maintain freshness. Celery can last up to two weeks when stored properly.
5. Preservation
For longer storage, consider blanching and freezing celery stalks. This method helps retain the flavor and nutritional value.
So, when will you be planting your own celery in your kitchen gardens?
