Are you tired of buying limp, lackluster celery from the grocery store? Don’t let this classic veggie be the weak link in your cooking! Embrace your inner green thumb and start growing your own celery at home.
Not only will you have fresh, flavourful stalks right at your fingertips but you can also add some pizzazz to your plant game. With the right know-how and a few helpful tips, you can grow celery that is the envy of even the most seasoned gardener.
Favourable conditions to grow celery
Horticulturalist Marina Jordaan, based in Cradock, Eastern Cape, tells Health For Mzansi that celery is a biennial plant but for fresh production, it is planted and harvested as an annual crop.
Celery (Apium graveolens) is an important aromatic plant grown for its edible stalks and used as a vegetable in various cuisines, she says.
According to Jordaan, the regions that have historically demonstrated the greatest success in celery production include the Western Cape and parts of Gauteng,
She explains that the Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, particularly areas like the Ceres Valley and the Overberg region, are known for its conducive growing conditions for celery.
“These areas boast fertile soils, suitable temperatures, and access to water for irrigation, all of which are important factors for successful celery cultivation.”
Horticulturalist Marina Jordaan
Jordaan adds that Gauteng, specifically around Johannesburg and Pretoria, also has favourable conditions for celery production. Farmers in these regions often grow celery in the cooler months when the temperatures are more suitable for cultivation.
Soil types and optimal climatic conditions
Jordaan explains that celery is a cool-season crop and prefers cooler temperatures between 13°C and 24°C without frost.
Extended periods below 13°C will cause plants to bolt and set seed. On the other hand, when maximum daily temperatures constantly rise above 24°C, edible stalks become more fibrous and tend to develop a bitter flavour.
“The plant prefers soil temperatures between 12°C and 21°C. Celery has a high water requirement and needs consistent moisture.”
If rainfall is inadequate, supplementary irrigation should be applied, Jordaan explains.
She emphasises that the crop requires fertile soil rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6-7, and is sensitive to salinity.
Soils with good structure and drainage, such as sandy loam, well-draining clay loam, and compost-amended soils, are preferred.
“It is also important that the soil has a good water-holding capacity to prevent drying out, as the plant needs consistent moisture to grow optimally.”
Since celery is a heavy feeder it requires adequate nutrients, adds Jordaan.
Making celery a star with companion plants
Celery can be planted throughout the year, provided that sufficient water is provided, especially during summer. It grows well in good spring temperatures with lots of sun and adequate water supply, explains Angelo Marman, co-founder of Abitzfarming based in Riverlands near Cape Town.
He says to enhance the health and productivity of this crop, companion plants such as sage, spring onion, dill, and rosemary should be planted at the ends of the beds.
Peas are recommended as cover crops for their nitrogen-fixing properties, while onions can be planted as bulbs at the bottom with celery on top (which helps with moles and other pests as well).
“All these plants will assist with pest control, although celery leaves are not commonly eaten by many pests.”
How to plant celery
Marman recommends spacing the plants around 10 to 15cm apart. Adequate daylight and temperature influence growth speed, with slower growth observed in winter. It’s generally an easy plant to cultivate.
“Ensuring good soil nutrition, adequate water supply, and organic matter like compost will result in a high-quality crop. Plant celery in full sun to semi-shaded areas.”
He also notes that fungal management is vital, especially in humid climates where fungal growth is common.
“Apple cider vinegar is effective for control, or organic fungicides available off the shelf.”
Angelo Marman
Weeding is crucial to minimise competition for nutrients and water, he says, although pruning is generally unnecessary as celery grows vigorously until bulb formation, particularly in table celery.
“Applying a balanced fertiliser rich in phosphorus and potassium promotes healthy growth,” adds Marman.
So what are you waiting for? Start cultivating celery and get all the goodness.
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