What To Know
- Store harvested celery in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
- If you live in a mild climate, you can extend the harvest season by planting celery in the late summer.
- Use it to create celery sticks for dipping, or try it in a refreshing celery juice.
If you’re looking to add a fresh, crunchy element to your garden and kitchen, then growing Amsterdam celery is an excellent choice. Known for its exceptional flavor and crisp texture, Amsterdam celery is a popular variety for both home gardeners and commercial growers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of successfully growing Amsterdam celery, from seed to harvest.
Understanding Amsterdam Celery
Amsterdam celery, also known as “Dutch Celery,” is a popular variety known for its tall, upright stalks and crisp, flavorful heart. Its distinctive flavor profile is slightly sweeter than other celery varieties, making it perfect for both raw consumption and cooking.
Choosing the Right Location and Soil
Amsterdam celery thrives in cool, moist conditions and requires full sun to partial shade. Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours.
The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, consider amending it with compost or aged manure before planting.
Starting from Seed
Amsterdam celery can be started from seed indoors or directly sown outdoors.
Starting Indoors
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
- Seed Trays: Fill seed trays with a seed-starting mix and sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart.
- Moisture and Light: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
- Hardening Off: Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a week or two before transplanting.
Direct Sowing
- Timing: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they emerge.
Transplanting Amsterdam Celery
- Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 4-6 inches tall.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
- Planting Depth: Plant celery seedlings at the same depth they were growing in the seed tray or pot.
Watering and Fertilizing
Amsterdam celery requires consistent moisture to thrive. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Feed your celery plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. You can use a granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted according to the package instructions.
Protecting Your Celery
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your celery plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pest Control: Monitor your plants for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth.
- Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around your plants to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering, which can increase the risk of disease.
Harvesting Your Amsterdam Celery
- Timing: Harvest celery stalks when they are about 1 inch in diameter and have reached their full height.
- Harvesting Technique: Cut stalks at the base of the plant, leaving a few inches of foliage for continued growth.
- Storage: Store harvested celery in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Blanching: For a milder, sweeter flavor, blanch celery stalks by covering them with soil or a dark material for about 2 weeks before harvesting.
- Successive Planting: Plant celery seeds every 2-3 weeks to enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
- Fall Harvest: If you live in a mild climate, you can extend the harvest season by planting celery in the late summer.
The Sweetness of Success: Enjoying Your Harvest
Amsterdam celery is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Add it to salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries. Use it to create celery sticks for dipping, or try it in a refreshing celery juice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How long does it take to grow Amsterdam celery?
A: From seed to harvest, it takes about 80-100 days to grow Amsterdam celery.
Q: Can I grow Amsterdam celery in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow Amsterdam celery in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Q: What are some common problems with growing Amsterdam celery?
A: Some common problems include pests like aphids, slugs, and snails, as well as diseases like celery blight and leaf spot.
Q: Can I save seeds from my Amsterdam celery plants?
A: Yes, you can save seeds from your Amsterdam celery plants. Allow the seed heads to dry on the plant and then collect the seeds.
Q: Is Amsterdam celery a perennial?
A: No, Amsterdam celery is an annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Growing Amsterdam celery is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the fresh, crisp flavor of this delicious vegetable. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of Amsterdam celery throughout the growing season.
