El celery (Apium graveolens) is a plant that is not only used for its flavor in various culinary preparations, but is also valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Planting celery may seem like a complicated task, but with the right knowledge, it can be successfully grown at home. In this article, we'll guide you through the process. how to grow celery, its care and optimal growing conditions.
Ideal climate and soil for celery
Celery is a crop that grows best in cool, moist climates. It needs soil that is well supplied with nutrients. organic material and has a moderate pH (between 6.0 and 7.0).
Recommendations for the floor:
- Make sure the soil has good drainage capacity.
- Incorporate compost and organic fertilizers before sowing.
- Keep the soil constantly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Ideal temperatures for growing celery range from 15 ° C and 18 ° C. In overly warm conditions, celery tends to flower prematurely, affecting its quality and yield. Ideally, celery should receive between 800 and 1000 millimeters of water throughout its life cycle, making it a crop that requires special attention to soil moisture. For more details on crops that can accompany celery, see our article on cold-resistant vegetables.
Form and time of sowing
To plant celery, you can choose seedlings or sow directly into the ground. Seedbeds should be planted between September and January, while the transplant is performed at the 80 days approximately after sowing, when the seedlings have reached a suitable height.
Steps for sowing:
- Prepare the soil well, making sure it is loose and free of weeds.
- If using seeds, sow 1 to 2 grams per square meter (1 gram = 3000 seeds).
- Do not overcover the seeds, as they need some light to germinate.
- Provides shade during high summer temperatures to protect seedlings.
- Transplant once the seedlings are between 5 and 10 cm Tall.
Celery cultivation care
Celery is quite demanding when it comes to care. In addition to constant watering, it is crucial to maintain the moisture in the soil, especially in the last few weeks before harvest. If you'd like to learn more about growing celery in different formats, check out our guide on growing celery in pot.
Recommendations for care:
- Performs carpidas and various light hilling to promote growth.
- The practice of bleach It is essential; it consists of covering the leaves with materials such as burlap or paper to make them more tender and white.
- Celery absorbs half of its nutrients a month before harvest, so the use of balanced fertilizers o compost tea every 10 to 14 days.
The recommended planting distance is 70 to 80 cm between rows and 25 to 30 cm between plants. Maintaining this distance is essential to ensure proper plant development. For more information on the planting calendar, see our article on january crop calendar.
varieties of celery
There are different types of celery, the most common being:
- Green celery: It is characterized by its dark green leaves and wide petioles. They need to be blanched at the end of the cycle. Examples include Giant Pascal y Platense.
- Yellow celery: These varieties do not require blanching and have a shorter growing cycle, such as Golden Boy.
- Red stem celery: Varieties that offer a distinctive color and a different flavor, such as Redventure.
Celery Harvest
Harvesting varies depending on the variety of celery grown. For green varieties, harvesting is done around 120 days after transplanting, while for yellow varieties the time is 80 to 100 daysIf you are interested in learning more about the nutritional properties, visit our article on What properties does celeriac have?.
Steps for harvesting:
- Before harvesting, remove any material used for blanching.
- Cut the plant to ground level, making sure to harvest a full rosette of leaves.
- To preserve them for longer, you can place the plants in a cool place, surrounded by damp sand.
Common problems in growing celery
Celery, like other vegetable crops, can be affected by various pests and diseases. Some of the main problems include:
- Parsley worms: These can damage leaves and affect crop yield.
- Carrot rust: A fungal disease that can affect both the growth and quality of celery.
- Nematodes: These organisms can cause damage to the roots, weakening the plant.
- Problems of nutritionDistorted leaves may indicate a nutrient deficiency, especially boron.
Growing celery can be a very rewarding experience, as long as you follow the proper guidelines. By providing the optimal climate and soil, as well as the necessary care, you can enjoy this fresh and healthy vegetable on your table. The key is attention to detail throughout the growing cycle, from planting to harvest.
