Celery in Zone 7A — Texas

Celery, with its crisp texture and refreshing flavor, is a rewarding challenge for Texas gardeners. It's a versatile addition to soups, salads, and snacks, and there's nothing quite like the taste of homegrown celery. Plus, with our long growing season, you can often squeeze in a second planting for a fall harvest.

Growing celery in Texas does come with its hurdles, thanks to our unpredictable weather and the brutal Texas heat. But by starting early and paying close attention to its needs, you can definitely enjoy homegrown celery. With our 245-day growing season, you have time to figure it out.

Start your celery seeds indoors from late December through mid January, 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 deeply. Sprinkle them on the surface of a seed-starting mix and gently press them in.

Use seed trays with a humidity dome to keep the soil consistently moist, and provide bottom watering to avoid disturbing the delicate seedlings. Keep the trays in a warm spot, around 70-75°F, and provide plenty of light with grow lights. Remember, spring comes early here in Texas, so starting early is key.

Transplant your celery seedlings outdoors from mid March through mid April, after the danger of a hard freeze 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 Texas sunshine and fluctuating temperatures.

Space your celery plants 8-10 inches apart in well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Choose a spot that gets full sun to partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. Be prepared for unexpected temperature swings that can happen during this time of year.

Celery is a thirsty plant, and consistent moisture is crucial for healthy growth, especially in the Texas heat. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Even short periods of drought stress can lead to hollow, bitter stalks.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, water deeply about 2-3 times per week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. In the peak of summer, you might need to water daily, especially if rainfall is scarce. Use the finger test – if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Add a layer of organic mulch around your celery plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

You can expect your first celery harvest from early June through late July, about 85 days after transplanting. Look for outer stalks that are at least 8 inches long and have a good, crisp snap. You can harvest individual stalks as needed, or cut the entire plant at the base when the stalks are 12 inches or longer.

If you want milder stalks, try blanching them by mounding soil around the base of the plant a week or two before harvest. This blocks sunlight and reduces the amount of chlorophyll in the stalks. To encourage continued production, harvest the outer stalks first, leaving the inner stalks to continue growing.

As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining celery. You can store celery in the refrigerator for several weeks, or chop and freeze it for later use in soups and stews.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing celery in Texas:

Bolting from temperature stress

• What it looks like: The plant sends up a flower stalk prematurely, and the stalks become bitter.
• What causes it: Fluctuations in temperature, especially a sudden shift from cold to hot weather, can trigger bolting. This is common with the unpredictable weather we see in Texas.
• How to fix/prevent it: Choose bolt-resistant varieties. Provide consistent watering and shade during hot spells. Start seeds early enough to avoid the worst of the summer heat.

Hollow stalks

• What it looks like: The stalks are hollow and lack crispness.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering and nutrient deficiencies, especially boron deficiency. Texas soils can sometimes lack essential nutrients.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure consistent watering, especially during hot, dry periods. Amend the soil with compost and use a balanced fertilizer. Consider a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies.

Stringy stalks from heat

• What it looks like: The stalks are tough, fibrous, and lack flavor.
• What causes it: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The brutal Texas heat can be tough on celery.
• How to fix/prevent it: Provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Choose heat-tolerant varieties. Ensure consistent watering. Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can make growing celery a challenge. Consistent watering is crucial, but be mindful of overwatering, especially during periods of high humidity. Providing afternoon shade and choosing heat-tolerant varieties can help mitigate the effects of the Texas heat.

Good companion plants for celery in Texas include:

• Green beans: They fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits celery's growth.
• Cabbage: It deters cabbage moths, which can sometimes bother celery.
• Tomatoes: They provide shade, which can protect celery from the intense Texas sun.
• Onions: They deter some pests that might attack celery.

Avoid planting carrots near celery, as they compete for the same nutrients in the soil and can stunt each other's growth.