Apium graveolens

Cultivation

Grow from seedlings, because the plant grows slowly in the beginning.

Distance between plants

At least 40 cm (15 in) between rows and 30 cm (12 in) between plants in a row.

Location

Half-shaded.

Amount

6 to 10 plants per person.

Time of planting

End of January and February for seedlings in heated greenhouses. If the greenhouse was not too warm, you can transplant the seedlings out soon, because the plants are not harmed by cold. It germinates in three weeks.

Fertilization

With home compost or barn manure. Additionally with wood ash, and comfrey and nettle brew.

Watering

It needs regular watering, twice a week, 30 cm (12 in) deep.

Celery’s good neighbors

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, cabbage, beans, peas, cucumbers, leek, tomatoes, pepper, lettuce, thyme.

Celery’s bad neighbors

Carrots, parsley, parsnip, potato.

Diseases and pests

It is not problematic. Keep the right distance between rows and soft soil with good drainage. Don’t use too much nitrogen. If the soil lacks boron, tubers can start decaying.

Celerys’storage

If the garden is located on well drained ground and the plant is protected from cold, it can be stored in the garden, or in cool and moist basements, dug in sand. Don’t store together with plants that smell stronger (bulb vegetables, herbs), as it will take on their odor.

Food

Leaves, tubers and the lower parts of leaf stems. They contain a lot of vitamins, minerals and essential oils.

Important

When transplanting, don’t plant deeper than the seedlings had grown. It succeeds best in open, sunny, windy parts of the garden. It likes humus soil, rich in nutrients.

Miscellaneous

If you want the leaves to be more crisp and whiter, cover with straw at the sides of the plant.