Apium graveolens var. duke
Family: Apiaceae

Phis biennial is treated as an annual in garden cultivation and is grown for its stalk. Native to the Mediterranean, celery was used medicinally by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Today, this crisp vegetable is mostly eaten raw or used in the stockpot or in stews.

Varieties

There are two groups: self-blanching varieties which are blanched by close planting, and trench celery where individual plants need to be blanched.

Cultivation

Celery is not easy to grow and seed can be difficult to germinate. It requires a climate with a long season of warm days and cool nights, good quality soil with plenty of organic matter added to ensure a balance between water-holding capacity and good drainage, and a pH of 5.5-6.7. If the soil has a pH of less than 5.5, liming is necessary, preferably with dolomite, as this contains magnesium. Celery also needs an abundance of water. Sow seeds and plant out as for celeriac (see above). Celery does not transplant well so care should be taken not to disturb the roots too much. Transplant on a cool day or late in the day when less water loss from the plant will help prevent dehydration. Space plants 30 cm (12 in) apart within rows and about 50 cm (20 in) between rows. Protect from frost. Weed control is essential as celery is a shallow-rooted crop. Water well during dry periods and apply a side dressing of animal manures and a weekly banding of complete liquid fertilizer. Poultry manure is very suitable but as it is 'hot', one light application is sufficient. Blanching, the exclusion of light from the plant, is recommended as this reduces the green colour. This can be achieved by close planting so that the leaves shield out the light: by placing a cardboard cylinder around each plant or by putting strips of plastic, stiff paper, boards or even sheet iron on each side of the plant. After one or two weeks of blanching, the plants can be harvested by cutting stalks at soil level.

Climate

Warm to cool zones.