Apium
( AY - pee - um )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering herbaceous plants includes the widely cultivated crop Celery, and is native to Europe, Western Asia, north Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. They typically reach over three feet tall when in bloom, and have white flowers. Foliage is green and somewhat divided. Use Celery plants in the vegetable garden or in mixed beds and borders.
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Apium Species and Varietals
The genus Apium is the type genus member of the Carrot plant family Apiaceae, and includes twelve species. These plants can be grown in any zone; To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Apium graveolens (Wild Celery, Smallage, Celery)
This species is the most widely cultivated in the genus Apium, and has widely naturalized outside of its native range. Modern cultivars have been developed and selected for their edible leafstalks (Celery), their bulbs (Celeriac) and their leaves (Leaf Celery). Plants typically reach around three feet tall when mature and in bloom. Foliage is green.
This species is the most widely cultivated in the genus Apium, and has widely naturalized outside of its native range. Modern cultivars have been developed and selected for their edible leafstalks (Celery), their bulbs (Celeriac) and their leaves (Leaf Celery). Plants typically reach around three feet tall when mature and in bloom. Foliage is green.
'Dulce Group'
Known as Celery, these plants produce great above-ground stalks that are crispy and crunchy. Great garden cultivars include 'Tango Hybrid', 'Tall Utah', and 'Giant Red' (with red-tinged stalks). |
var. rapaceum
This group of Apium produces underground bulbs that are used in salads,eaten raw, or cooked as a substitute for potatoes. |
'Secalinum Group'
Commonly called Leaf Celery, this group produces tender foliage to be used in the same way as spinach. |
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Apium prostratum (Sea Celery, Tutae Koau) This species, native to Australia and New Zealand, typically grows in coastal dunes, headlands, and swamps. It was historically eaten by colonists as well as the native Maori population. Both leaves and stems are consumed, and leaves are also dried and added to seasoning mixes. It is commercially grown to a limited extent. |
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Caring for Apium
Celery is best grown from seed. Plant seeds indoors about three months before the last spring frost of the area after soaking them in warm water overnight. They can then be transplanted out into the garden, placed about 12 inches apart for best airflow. Ideal temperatures for growing celery are between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants require full sun for best performance; try to plant Apium in a spot in the garden that receives between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. If local soils are particularly poor or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material or compost before sowing seeds or transplanting starts. Apium plants prefer soil that has a pH of between 5.8 and 6.8, but can tolerate levels between 4.2 and 8.3 if necessary. Ensure that soil stays consistently moist during the growing season; when soil dries out, plants tend to become tough and stringy (unpalatable). Add organic mulch around the base of plants to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain even soil temperatures.
Harvesting Apium
Growing celery from home will ensure that you always have a crop that has strong, full flavor and juicy crunchiness. Harvest stalks of celery when lower stalks are at least six inches long. Some types can reach up to 18 inches tall, so make sure to check the information for the specific cultivar you are dealing with before attempting to harvest. Individual stalks can be harvested by cutting them at the crown of the plant with a knife or shears. Celery stalks can be consumed fresh or cooked. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer. Alternatively, they can also be frozen for between 2 months and a year (if blanched first). Celeriac is typically harvested in the fall (between 100 and 120 days after planting), when the roots reach a diameter of between 3 and 5 inches. Roots that are larger than this range tend to be woody and unpalatable. Harvest by lifting the entire plant out of the ground and cutting off most of the above-ground parts. Wash the root and store it in the vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The root can be sliced up or shredded, added to soups, stews, and salads, or boiled and mashed, served like mashed potatoes.
Harvesting Apium
Growing celery from home will ensure that you always have a crop that has strong, full flavor and juicy crunchiness. Harvest stalks of celery when lower stalks are at least six inches long. Some types can reach up to 18 inches tall, so make sure to check the information for the specific cultivar you are dealing with before attempting to harvest. Individual stalks can be harvested by cutting them at the crown of the plant with a knife or shears. Celery stalks can be consumed fresh or cooked. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer. Alternatively, they can also be frozen for between 2 months and a year (if blanched first). Celeriac is typically harvested in the fall (between 100 and 120 days after planting), when the roots reach a diameter of between 3 and 5 inches. Roots that are larger than this range tend to be woody and unpalatable. Harvest by lifting the entire plant out of the ground and cutting off most of the above-ground parts. Wash the root and store it in the vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The root can be sliced up or shredded, added to soups, stews, and salads, or boiled and mashed, served like mashed potatoes.
Propagation
Apium plants are best propagated by seed. To propagate your Celery, Celeriac, or Leaf Celery plant, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Apium by Seed
Propagating Apium by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. Seed pods are borne on the inflorescences that remain on the plant once flowers have faded. Typically, when flowers and subsequent seed pods appear, this means that the plant will not be producing as many leaves that can be used for flavoring dishes. Many backyard gardeners will dedicate one of their Celery plants to flowering in order to both harvest the most dill possible and harvest flowers and seeds.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 10-24 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Apium seed heads.
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Apium seeds.
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Problems and Pests
Apium plants are typically pest and disease free, but they can be susceptible to the following issues and pests in certain conditions:
- Fusarium Yellows
- Root and Crown Rot
- Blight
- Aster Yellows
- Aphids
- Apium Virus Y
- Slugs
- Carrot Rust Flies
- Earwigs
- Flea Beetles
- Nematodes
Gallery
Celery seed is a popular spice used around the world, and is integral to many bloody mary recipes.
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Celery Flakes are dried celery leaves used to flavor many dishes. They are combined with salt to make Celery Salt.
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Celery growing in a backyard garden.
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Videos
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The A to Z of growing Apium from seed.
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How to grow celery from a purchased heart.
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Resources
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