Celery in Zone 3A — Great Plains

Celery might seem like a grocery store staple, but homegrown celery offers a flavor and crispness you just can't find in the supermarket. Plus, the satisfaction of coaxing this water-loving plant to thrive in our Great Plains gardens is a reward in itself. Imagine fresh celery sticks, perfect for dipping or adding crunch to your favorite soups and stews, all grown right in your backyard.

Growing celery in Zone 3A requires a little planning, given our tendency for extreme weather and our relatively short 108-day growing season. But don't let that intimidate you. By starting indoors and paying close attention to its needs, you can definitely enjoy homegrown celery before the first frost hits.

Starting celery indoors is essential in our region. You'll want to start your seeds early to late March, about 10 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Celery seeds are tiny and need light to germinate, so don't bury them too deep. Sprinkle them on the surface of your seed starting mix and gently press them in.

Use seed trays with a good quality seed starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Bottom watering is a great way to avoid disturbing the delicate seedlings. A heat mat can help speed up germination, and once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light, either from a grow light or a sunny windowsill. Be prepared for a slow start – celery seedlings can be quite slow to develop.

Remember that spring in the Plains can be variable, with unexpected temperature swings. Keep a close eye on your seedlings and adjust their environment as needed to keep them happy and healthy until it's time to move them outdoors.

Transplant your celery seedlings outdoors late May through early June, once the risk of frost has passed. Before transplanting, it's crucial to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside.

When transplanting, space your celery plants about 8-10 inches apart. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Here in the Plains, a little afternoon shade can be beneficial, especially during those hot summer days. Our weather can still be unpredictable at this time of year, so be prepared to protect your young plants from strong winds or unexpected hail.

Celery is a VERY thirsty plant. Consistent moisture is key to preventing hollow stalks and that bitter taste. In our hot, often dry Plains climate, you need to be vigilant about watering. A consistent watering schedule is critical for celery to thrive.

During the peak of summer, when temperatures soar into the 90s, you'll likely need to water deeply every day. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, but adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions. Stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease in our moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure your soil is well-draining. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of either extreme. A good layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, which is especially important in our windy conditions.

You can expect your first celery harvest from mid August through mid September, about 85 days after transplanting. Look for outer stalks that are at least 8 inches long. You can harvest individual stalks as needed, allowing the inner stalks to continue to grow.

To harvest, simply use a sharp knife to cut the stalks at the base of the plant. Alternatively, you can harvest the entire plant at once when the stalks are 12+ inches tall. Celery doesn't ripen off the vine, so only harvest what you plan to use.

As the first frost approaches in early September, protect your plants with row covers or blankets to extend the harvest. Even a light frost can damage the stalks. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown celery well into the fall.

Celery can be a bit finicky, and a few common problems can arise, especially given our Plains climate.

Bolting from temperature stress

• What it looks like: The plant prematurely sends up a flower stalk. The stalks become bitter and tough.
• What causes it: Fluctuations in temperature, particularly cold snaps followed by warm spells, can trigger bolting. In the Plains, this can happen in early spring or late summer.
• How to fix/prevent it: Choose bolt-resistant varieties. Consistent watering helps regulate soil temperature. Use row covers to protect plants from sudden temperature drops.

Hollow stalks

• What it looks like: The inside of the celery stalk is hollow rather than solid.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering and nutrient deficiencies, especially calcium deficiency. Drought stress is a major culprit in the Plains.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water deeply and regularly. Amend the soil with compost or bone meal to improve nutrient availability. Consider using a calcium-rich foliar spray.

Stringy stalks from heat

• What it looks like: The stalks become tough and stringy, making them unpleasant to eat.
• What causes it: High temperatures and lack of water during the hottest part of the summer. The intense Plains sun can exacerbate this.
• How to fix/prevent it: Provide afternoon shade. Ensure consistent watering. Choose heat-tolerant varieties. Harvest early in the morning when the stalks are cooler.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our variable rainfall, combined with hot summers and occasional hail, makes growing celery a challenge. Consistent monitoring and proactive measures are crucial for success. Wind protection is also essential to prevent damage to the stalks.

Companion planting can give your celery a boost in the Great Plains garden. Green beans are a good companion because they fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for the celery. Cabbage also benefits celery by deterring cabbage white butterflies, a common pest. Tomatoes offer shade during the hottest part of the day, which can help prevent bolting and stringy stalks. Onions deter celery flies, a common pest.

Avoid planting celery near carrots. Carrots and celery attract the same pests, increasing the risk of infestation for both plants.