Kelvin Pelleted (F1) Celery Seed

Scientific name

Apium graveolens

Soil and water

Celery needs fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.0 and steady moisture all season, from seed tray to harvest. If it dries out, stalks turn stringy and yields drop.

Days to maturity

Counted from transplanting.

Pelleted seed

Keep the soil evenly moist while pelleted seed germinates. Store pellets cool and dry and sow them within a year.

Starting indoors

Sow 10–12 weeks before planting out, about 6 seeds per inch and 1/8" deep, in open flats or plug trays. Hold the mix at 70–75°F (21–24°C) until seedlings emerge, which takes 2–3 weeks, then grow them on at 60–70°F (16–21°C). Move seedlings to 72-cell trays at the two-true-leaf stage.

Transplanting

Plant out once the weather is warm and settled, 6–8" apart in rows 24–36" apart, and water to keep the soil moist.

Bolting

Young plants exposed to temperatures under 55°F (13°C) for 10 days or more may bolt. To harden off, cut back on water for 7–10 days rather than putting plants out in the cold.

Pests and disease

Rotate to limit leaf blights. Enough calcium and water prevent black heart. Control aphids, which spread celery mosaic virus (mottled leaves, twisted stalks, stunting).

Harvest

Cut stalks once they reach a usable size and before they turn pithy. For paler stalks, hill soil around the plants or wrap them in paper collars for the last weeks. Plunge plants in cold water after cutting to take out field heat.

Storage

At 32°F (0°C) and 98–100% relative humidity, celery keeps 1–2 months.

Caution

Handling the foliage in strong sun can occasionally cause a serious skin rash. Wear long sleeves and pants on hot, sunny days and wash exposed skin soon after.

Packet

250 seeds.

Seeds per lb.

About 150,000 on average.