Quick sum-up
grow cultivated celery sticks at home can be a rewarding and fulfill experience . Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror just commence out , this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the all-important knowledge and techniques tocultivate crispand flavorful Apium graveolens dulce sticks in your own garden .
Selecting the Right Variety
There arenumerous varietiesof celery available , each with itsunique feature . For acquire cultivated celery sticks , choose varietiesknown for their crispiness and flavor , such as :
Soil Preparation and Planting
Celery favor well - drained , fertile stain richinorganic matter . Amend the grime with compost or manure to meliorate its structure and fertility . take off cultivated celery seed indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the lastfrost engagement . Sow the seeds in a source tray filled with aseed starting mix . Keep thesoil moistand tender until germination occurs . Once the seedling have developed their first bent of honest leaves , transfer them intoindividual containers . Harden off theseedlings graduallyby exposing them to outside conditions forincreasing periodseach day .
Transplanting Outdoors
When the seedlings are 4 - 6inches talland have indurate off , transplant them out of doors . blank space the plant 6 - 8 inches asunder in course that are 2 - 3 foot apart . Dig ahole deepenough to accommodate theentire root ball . range the seedling in the kettle of fish andgently firmthe soil around the theme of the plant . urine thoroughly .
Watering and Fertilizing
Celery is a heavy affluent andrequires regular wateringand fertilization . Water theplants deeplyand on a regular basis , specially during hot and wry conditions . fecundate the plants every 3 - 4 weeks with abalanced fertilizer . apply a fertilizer that is high in N to advance leafage growth .
Mulching and Weed Control
Mulch around the celery plants to continue wet , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as stubble , compost , or shredded leaf . Keep the garden dope - free by hand - deplume or using a hoe . Avoid using herbicides , as they can damage the celery works .
Blanching
blanch Apium graveolens dulce assist to remove the bitterness and create a more warm andflavorful chaff . Toblanch celery , wrap up the stalks with newspaper or composition board when they are about 8 inches tall . Secure the cover with string or tape measure . look into thecelery regularlyand polish off the masking once the stalks have turned white .
Harvesting
Apium graveolens dulce shuck are quick to harvest when they are firm and frizzly . expend asharp knifeto cut the straw at the base of the plant . Harvest cultivated celery on a regular basis toencourage continued growth . You canstore celeryin the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Pests
Diseases
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : Can Igrow celeryfrom store - bought stalks?A : Yes , but it ’s not as successful as growing from semen . trend the base of thecelery stalkand place it in a meth of water supply . Roots will develop in 2 - 3 weeks . Once the roots are 2 - 3inches long , transfer the celery into a pot or garden layer . Q : Why are my celery stalks bitter?A : Apium graveolens dulce stalkscan becomebitter dueto overexposure to sunlight ordrought stress . Blanching the straw can avail absent the bitterness . Q : How do Istore celeryfor a longer period?A : Tostore celeryfor up to 6 week , envelop the stalk in adamp paper toweland place them in anairtight containerin the refrigerator .