Celery in Zone 5B — Great Plains

Celery might seem like a grocery store staple, but homegrown celery offers a distinct flavor and satisfying crunch you just can't find in the supermarket, and it's worth the effort here in the Plains. Its crisp stalks add a refreshing element to soups, salads, and snacks, and there's nothing like the pride of harvesting your own.

Growing celery in the Great Plains does present some challenges, with our unpredictable weather and potential for drought. But with careful timing and consistent watering, you can successfully grow celery within our 178-day growing season.

Start your celery seeds indoors from early to late February, about 10 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. You'll need seed trays, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, bright location. A heat mat can help speed up germination.

Celery seeds are very small and need light to germinate, so don't bury them too deeply. Gently press them into the surface of the soil. Bottom watering is ideal to avoid disturbing the seeds; set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil absorb it from the bottom. Given our variable spring weather, starting early indoors gives your celery a head start.

Transplant your celery seedlings outdoors from mid April through mid May, after the risk of hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Plant your celery seedlings 8-10 inches apart in a well-prepared bed. Even in April and May, the Plains can still throw some curveballs, so keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to cover your seedlings if a late frost threatens.

Celery is extremely thirsty and needs consistently moist soil to thrive. This is especially crucial in the Great Plains, where our summers can be hot and dry. Even a short dry spell can lead to bitter, hollow stalks. Celery is probably the most water-demanding vegetable you can grow.

During the heat of summer, your celery might need watering every day, or every other day. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease in our low-to-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. A layer of mulch around your celery plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful in our variable climate.

You can expect your first celery harvest from mid July through early September, about 85 days after transplanting. Look for stalks that are at least 8 inches long and thick enough to eat.

To harvest, you can either cut individual outer stalks as needed or cut the entire plant at the base. Removing the outer stalks encourages the plant to continue producing. If you want milder stalks, you can blanch them by mounding soil around the base of the plants a few weeks before harvest.

As the first frost approaches in mid- October, harvest any remaining celery. It can tolerate a light frost, but a hard freeze will damage the stalks.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing celery in the Great Plains:

Bolting from temperature stress

• What it looks like: The celery plant prematurely sends up a flower stalk, making the stalks bitter and inedible.
• What causes it: Fluctuations in temperature, especially early in the season, can trigger bolting. This is common in the Plains, where we often have extreme temperature swings.
• How to fix/prevent it: Choose bolt-resistant varieties. Start seeds indoors early to avoid early-season temperature stress. Use row covers to protect plants from sudden temperature drops.

Hollow stalks

• What it looks like: The center of the celery stalk is hollow and dry.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, especially during hot weather. Celery needs consistently moist soil to develop properly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water deeply and regularly, aiming for consistent soil moisture. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

Stringy stalks from heat

• What it looks like: The stalks are tough, fibrous, and difficult to chew.
• What causes it: High temperatures during the growing season. Extreme heat can cause the stalks to become stringy.
• How to fix/prevent it: Provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Water deeply to keep the plants cool. Choose heat-tolerant varieties.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Celery is a demanding crop, and our hot summers, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall make it extra challenging. Consistent watering is crucial, and be prepared to provide shade during the hottest part of the summer.

Companion planting can help your celery thrive in the Great Plains.

Good companions for celery include green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions. Green beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits celery. Cabbage can help deter pests, and tomatoes provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Onions deter pests and can improve the flavor of celery.

Avoid planting carrots near celery. Carrots and celery compete for the same nutrients in the soil, which can stunt the growth of both plants.