![]() Avoiding water stress is a good way to minimize this problem. Use bone meal, blood meal, or calcium sprays. This nutrient imbalance is a localize deficiency of calcium which is essential for cell development.Ĭontrol black heart applying calcium rich fertilizers to the soil. Injury occurs gradually and is not visible until later in the season. Use appropriate fungicides for control and water so the leaves have time to dry during the day.īlack discoloration of leaves in the center of the plant. The disease eventually spreads to all plant parts. White fungal patches start on older leaves which will eventually die. Use insecticidal soaps, appropriate insecticides, or strong water stream to dislodge insects. Green or black soft-bodied insects that feed on underside of leaves. Organic mulches will keep weed growth in check and help retain soil moisture. The roots of the celery are very close to the surface, so do not cultivate too deeply. ![]() Frequent, shallow cultivation will control weeds and keep the soil surface loose. Problems with Growing Celery Weedsĭue to celery’s slow growth and small root system, it does not compete well with weeds. Side dress with nitrogen at ¼ cup (21-0-0) per 10 feet of row at 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting. In addition to the fertilizer used at planting, celery responds to additional fertilizer to produce optimum yields. One of the most efficient ways to water celery is to use drip irrigation. Celery is crisper and tenderer if watered regularly especially prior to harvesting. ![]() Any water stress during the year causes the stalks to become stringy and gives them a strong flavor. Always soak the soil thoroughly when watering because celery has a small, shallow root system. Celery needs at least 1 to 2 inches of water from rainfall or irrigation each week during the growing season. Good watering is essential to successful celery production. Celery is very susceptible to early and late season frosts so some protection is advisable. Row covers also stimulate early growth and bigger plants. Hot caps, plastic tunnels and fabric covers will protect young transplants from frost and cooler temperatures. You can also mulch with compost to control weeds and help retain moisture. Plastic mulches allow earlier planting which is necessary for a crop such as celery. Mulchesīlack plastic mulch warms the soil, conserves soil water and helps control weeds. A tight planting helps force tall growth and long petioles. Space the rows 2 feet apart and the plants 12 inches apart in the row. Planting and SpacingĬelery is started from seed planted around February 1st and then transplant to April or early May depending on your area. In areas with very long growing seasons, seed may be planted directly in the garden and later transplanted at the appropriate spacing. Transplants should have 3-4 mature leaves and a well-established root system, before they are planted in the garden. ![]() Use a complete fertilizer with a high ratio of potassium (4-4-8). If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. Soil PreparationĬelery has a small root system and is a poor nutrient forager, so there needs to be a good supply of nutrients in the soil. Most Utah soils will grow celery with proper site preparation. How to Grow Celery SoilsĬelery prefers fertile, well drained, organic sandy soils with lots of organic matter for best growth. Utah and Pascal are two varieties that remain green when ready for eating and are considered to be the finest quality. While many people associate celery with its prized stalks, the leaves and roots can also be used as a food or seasoning as well as a natural medicine. It is a biennial vegetable that belongs to the Umbelliferae family whose other members include carrots, fennel, parsley and dill. The stalks have a crunchy texture and a delicate, but mildly salty taste. Celery grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches and is composed of leaf topped stalks arranged in a cone that are joined at a common base. ![]()
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