•Selecting Seeds or Seedlings: Obtain high-quality tall celery seeds from a reputable supplier or nursery. Look for seeds that are fresh and suitable for planting. Alternatively, you can purchase young celery plants (seedlings) from a nursery if you prefer to skip the germination process.
•Choosing a Planting Location: Tall celery thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure that the soil is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
•Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 12 inches. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
•Planting Time: Tall celery is a cool-season crop and is best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Wait until the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C) before planting. In warmer climates, you can start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors once the weather cools down.
•Planting Seeds or Seedlings: Plant tall celery seeds directly into the garden bed or start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots. Sow the seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings into the garden bed once they have developed several sets of true leaves.
•Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the newly planted seeds or seedlings thoroughly after planting, and continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods. Celery requires consistent moisture to prevent the stalks from becoming tough and stringy.
•Mulching (Optional): Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the celery plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
•Fertilizing: Tall celery plants are moderate feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting, and side-dress the plants with additional fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to provide ongoing nutrients.
•Hilling (Optional): As tall celery plants grow, you can "hill" them by mounding soil around the base of the plants to blanch the stalks. Blanching reduces bitterness and improves the flavor of celery stalks. Be sure not to cover the growing point (heart) of the plant.
•Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common celery pests such as aphids, celery leaf miners, and snails/slugs. Remove any pests by hand or use organic insecticides if necessary. Monitor the plants for signs of diseases such as celery blight or bacterial leaf spot and treat promptly if detected.
•Harvesting: Tall celery is typically ready for harvest 100-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest individual stalks by cutting them off at the base with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Start harvesting outer stalks when they reach a suitable size, leaving the inner stalks to continue growing. Enjoy the crisp and flavorful stalks of homegrown tall celery in salads, soups, and other dishes!