How To Grow Celery and Celeriac Seeds

HISTORY

Woven garlands of celery were found in Egyptian tombs. During the Classical Period of ancient Greece, celery was considered a holy plant. Celery stalks were used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to treat colds and flu. Celeriac is a European favorite, especially among the French.

USES

• Many culinary uses

• Celery and celeriac are long-season crops, and they must be sown in the late winter/early spring and harvested in the fall.
• Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost.
• Surface sow, pressing the seeds lightly into the soil.
• Seeds germinate in 15-20 days.
• Ideal germination temperature is 70-75 F.
• Celery likes moisture from sprout to harvest. Keeping consistent moisture throughout the growing cycle will aid in achieving upright, large stalks.

• Celery and celeriac like rich, moist soil and full sun.
• Before planting celery, it is highly recommended to add plenty of well-composted manure to the bed. Some growers will dig a trench in celery rows to retain moisture during times of drought.
• Plant celery 2 feet apart. Celeriac can be planted closer together, about 8-12 inches apart. For good root growth, keep celeriac moist and plant in a rich bed heavy with organic matter. In zones 7 and higher, celeriac can be planted in summer for a winter and spring harvest.
• Celeriac can handle extreme temperatures a little better and can survive some mild frosts.
• When celery stalks begin to splay, tie them loosely together to keep upright and off the ground.
• Harvesting celery stalks 1-2 inches above the base will allow new stalks to grow.
• Celeriac should be harvested after a light frost and allowed to sweeten. Uncleaned, it will keep several months in a root cellar or cold storage.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Celery and celeriac are insect pollinated and should be isolated by 1 mile from each other to ensure seed purity.
• Both plants are biennial and must either be dug and stored or be left in the ground to overwinter and flower the following spring.
• Harvest the flowers when they have completely dried on the plant.
• When properly stored, celery and celeriac seeds will last for 5 years or more.

• Celery and celeriac are insect pollinated and should be isolated by 1 mile from each other to ensure seed purity.
• Both plants are biennial and must either be dug and stored or be left in the ground to overwinter and flower the following spring.
• Harvest the flowers when they have completely dried on the plant.
• When stored properly, celery and celeriac seeds will last for 5 years or more.