Growing Celery

Apium sp. : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  S S  
T                     T

(Best months for growing Celery in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 12°C and 21°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 17-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Not applicable as celery needs to be close together to encourage blanching.
  • Avoid growing close to: Sweetcorn

Your comments and tips

16 Jan 19, Tonimarie Heron (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi. I would be really grateful if yo had any advice on to grow celery all year round. It sells all year in the super market, so I'm assuming it is possible? Many thanks, Toni.
21 Jan 19, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
No you can't.
22 Jan 19, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Supermarkets buy from different climates etc.
18 Mar 19, perry (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have had success growing celery in the shade this summer north of Auckland. I think I planted in November where the plants needed to grow tall to reach the light.
27 Jun 19, Ghulam (New Zealand - temperate climate)
hi l am living in canterbury now can i plant celery?
28 Jun 19, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Look up what climate zone you are and check when to plant.
14 Aug 19, craig (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
what is meant by lifting celery after 11 weeks (Gardenate ed.- i have revised that and added 'to use' after lifting )
Showing 11 - 17 of 17 comments

Celery is susceptible to various fungal diseases which cause the stems to go brown and rot so keep the beds weeded to allow good air circulation. Fungal problems can also be caused by overhead watering and heavy rain. You can't control the rain but ensure celery is planted in an open, sunny spot with good airflow, Good soil and balance in your garden planting to provide food sources for beneficial insects such as ladybirds, hover fly and damsel flies will control aphids, etc that turn up. Any 'daisy' type flowers are good beneficial host plants

- Anonymous

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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