Giant Red Celery on a white background.
A close-up of cut and whole Giant Red Celery on a light background.
Giant Red Celery stalks and slices on a cutting board.
Giant Red Celery with peanut butter and raisins.
Giant Red Celery with peanut butter and gojis.
Giant Red Celery on a white background.
A close-up of cut and whole Giant Red Celery on a light background.
Giant Red Celery stalks and slices on a cutting board.
Giant Red Celery with peanut butter and raisins.
Giant Red Celery with peanut butter and gojis.

Celery Seeds,
Giant Red

4.26 ReviewsSKU: #CE112Min. seed count: 200
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Regular price $4.00
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Description

(Apium graveolens) A traditional red celery variety, tried and trusted by generations of gardeners in England. Stalks are a striking purplish-red and green, and turn pink when cooked. Quite cold hardy with a full, old-fashioned celery flavor that improves as the weather cools. Very reliable grower. Due to a lower germination rate, we're including extra seeds in each packet to ensure a full planting.

Growing Tips: Giant Red celery grows best in rich moist soil. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Apium graveolens
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
15–20
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
10 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Celery should be started indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. The ideal soil temperature for transplanting outdoors is at least 50 F. Transplant the seedlings outdoors only after nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 50-55 F; extended spells below about 50 F on young plants induce bolting, even though mature plants tolerate light frost. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Starting seeds indoors: Sow celery seeds in seed trays with a light, well-draining seed starting mix. Surface-sow, gently pressing into the soil about 1/8 inch deep.

Transplanting: Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Plant seedlings about 10 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Ensure the planting site gets full to partial sun.

How to Grow

Soil: Celery requires rich, well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter. Prepare garden beds by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Celery has shallow roots and needs regular watering to prevent the stalks from becoming tough and stringy.

Feeding: Celery is a heavy feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Side-dress with compost midseason to provide additional nutrients.

Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, keep the soil cool, and reduce weed competition.

Blanching: For tender stalks, mound soil around the plants or use paper/cardboard to cover the lower parts of the stalks a few weeks before harvest.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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 and collect the seeds when the flowers have completely dried on the plant.
  • When stored properly, celery and celeriac seeds will last for 5 years or more.

FAQ

How do I harvest Giant Red celery?

Harvest celery by cutting the stalks from the outside when they are about 8 inches tall. The flavor improves after light freezes, but be sure to harvest before a hard freeze.

Can I grow Giant Red celery in containers?

Yes, celery can be grown in containers. Use a deep pot (at least 12 inches) filled with rich, well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide regular feedings.

What are common pests and diseases affecting Giant Red celery?

Common pests include aphids, slugs, and snails. Diseases such as early and late blight can also be a problem. Use row covers to protect young plants and ensure good air circulation to reduce disease incidence.

Browse our full range of celery and celeriac seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 6 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Strong celery flavor: Bursting with old-fashioned flavor for soups, stews and stock.

  • Tall, hefty plants: Stalks reach three feet with thick, sturdy stems.

  • Easy and pest-free: Grows with few issues and insects leave it alone.

  • Heads up: Turns green, not red, and raw stalks are tough; best cooked.

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