What To Know
- Place your seed trays in a sunny location or under a grow light.
- Fill the pots with a good-quality potting mix and carefully transplant the seedlings, making sure to bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves.
- Simply place the bottom of the celery stalk in a jar of water and change the water every few days.
Craving fresh, crunchy celery straight from your kitchen window? You don’t need a sprawling garden to enjoy homegrown celery. Learning how to grow celery from seed indoors is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. This guide will walk you through every step, from seed selection to harvesting, so you can enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown celery all year round.
1. Choose the Right Seeds
The first step in your celery growing journey is choosing the right seeds. Look for varieties specifically bred for indoor growing. These varieties are typically compact, meaning they won’t outgrow your space, and have a shorter maturity time. Popular options include:
- ‘Pascal’ celery: This classic variety is known for its crisp stalks and rich flavor.
- ‘Golden Celery’: This variety boasts bright yellow stalks and a milder flavor.
- ‘Utah’ celery: This fast-growing variety is perfect for impatient gardeners.
2. Prepare Your Seed Starting Mix
Celery seeds need a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to germinate and thrive. A seed starting mix specifically formulated for vegetables is ideal. You can also create your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and vermiculite.
3. Sow Your Seeds
Now it’s time to sow your celery seeds. Here’s how:
1. Fill seed trays: Fill your seed trays with the prepared seed starting mix, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
2. Water thoroughly: Water the mix until it’s evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
3. Sow the seeds: Make small indentations in the soil about ¼ inch deep and ½ inch apart. Place one seed in each indentation.
4. Cover with soil: Gently cover the seeds with soil and lightly pat down.
5. Water again: Mist the soil with a spray bottle to keep it moist.
4. Provide Light and Warmth
Celery seeds need consistent warmth and light to germinate. Place your seed trays in a sunny location or under a grow light. Maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal germination.
5. Keep the Soil Moist
Celery seeds need consistent moisture to sprout. Use a spray bottle to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
6. Thin the Seedlings
Once your celery seedlings have two true leaves, it’s time to thin them. This process helps ensure that each seedling has enough space to grow strong and healthy. Gently remove the weakest seedlings, leaving the strongest ones spaced about 2-3 inches apart.
7. Transplanting to Larger Pots
When your celery seedlings are about 4-6 inches tall, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots. Choose pots that are at least 6-8 inches in diameter. Fill the pots with a good-quality potting mix and carefully transplant the seedlings, making sure to bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves.
8. Provide Consistent Water and Sunlight
Once your celery plants are in their larger pots, they need consistent watering and sunlight. Water them deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Make sure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, or supplement with a grow light.
9. Fertilize Regularly
Celery is a heavy feeder, so it’s crucial to fertilize them regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks.
10. Harvest Your Celery
Your celery will be ready to harvest in about 3-4 months. When the stalks are about 8-10 inches tall and feel firm to the touch, you can start harvesting. Cut the stalks at the base, leaving a small amount of foliage on the plant.
A Bountiful Harvest: Enjoying Your Homegrown Celery
Growing your own celery is a rewarding experience. You’ll enjoy the taste of fresh, flavorful celery straight from your kitchen. Use it in salads, soups, stews, or simply enjoy it raw with a dip.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Can I grow celery in water?
Yes, you can grow celery in water. Simply place the bottom of the celery stalk in a jar of water and change the water every few days. However, celery grown in water may not produce as much foliage or be as flavorful as those grown in soil.
2. What are the signs of an overwatered celery plant?
Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Signs of an overwatered celery plant include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a musty smell from the soil.
3. Why are my celery leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be caused by several factors, including overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests. Check the soil moisture and ensure the plant is receiving adequate sunlight and nutrients.
4. Can I save seeds from my celery plants?
Yes, you can save seeds from your celery plants. However, celery is a biennial, meaning it takes two years to produce seeds. You’ll need to allow your plants to flower and produce seed heads.
5. How long can I store celery?
Fresh celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in a sealed container.
