6 Actionable Steps To Grow Celery Indoors Successfully
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: July 2, 2023
Do you want to pluck crisp, garden-fresh celery right from your indoor space? Yes, the powerhouse of nutrition is packed with vitamins A, K, and C and minerals such as folate and potassium. The best part is that it is so easy to grow celery with the right information, and we’re here to make things easy for you.
This actionable guide will break down how to grow celery indoors. You’ll get to know about the growing conditions, varieties, planting, and caring techniques, and lastly, harvesting strategies.
Buckle up and let’s dig in.
About Celery
Celery is made up of stalks with leaves on top that are arranged like a cone and attached at a common base. It can reach a height of 18 to 24 inches. The stalks taste delicate but somewhat salty, and they have a crisp texture. It is a biennial vegetable that is a member of the Umbelliferae family, which also includes parsley, dill, fennel, carrots, and parsley. Although celery is most commonly associated with its esteemed stalks, it also has leaves and roots that can be used in food preparation, flavoring, and as a natural remedy.
Growing Conditions
To grow celery indoors, here are optimal growing conditions:
Light: 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day
Soil Texture: High in Organic Matter
Soil pH: 6.0-8.0
Soil Drainage: Moist,well-drained soil,
Available Space To Plant: Less than 12 inches
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b
How to Grow Celery Indoors?
1
Soil Preparation
Celery grows best in fertile, sandy, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Celery needs a lot of nutrients in the soil because it has a tiny root system and is a poor nutrient forager. Before planting, add a complete fertilizer (16-16-8) to the soil. To prepare the soil for planting, work the compost and fertilizer into the pot to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Read more about the best soil for vegetable garden here.
2
Planting and Spacing
Usually, celery is transplanted. Before transplanting, transplants should have 3–4 mature leaves and an established root system. Seed can be sown directly in the container in regions with particularly lengthy growing seasons, and it can then be transplanted at the right spacing later.
Celery is sown from seed around February 1st, and depending on your region, it is then transplanted to the final container in late April or early May. Plants should be placed 12 inches apart. A compact planting encourages tall growth and long petioles.
3
Watering and fertilization
When you grow celery indoors, successful celery cultivation depends on proper watering. During the growing season, celery requires at least 1 to 2 inches of water. Celery has a short, shallow root system, so always water the soil properly. Any water stress during the year makes the stalks stringy and imparts a bitter flavor to them. If celery is routinely irrigated, especially before harvesting, it will be crispier and more tender. Celery responds to supplemental fertilizer in addition to the fertilizer applied at planting to provide the best yields.
4
Managing Pests and diseases
When you grow celery indoors, you may encounter the following plant problems:
- Powdery Mildew: Older leaves begin to develop white fungal patches before dying. All plant parts eventually become infected with the illness. Plant resilient cultivars. Apply the proper fungicides for control and water the plants during the day so the leaves can dry.
- Black Heart: In the middle of the plant area, the leaves show black discoloration, eventually resulting in the death of the tissues. An injury develops gradually and becomes apparent later in the season. This nutritional imbalance is caused by a localized calcium deficiency, which is crucial for cell growth. Apply calcium-rich fertilizers to the soil to control the black heart. Use calcium sprays, bone meals, or blood meals. A simple method to reduce this issue is to avoid water stress.
5
Harvest And Storage
When celery stalks are a foot or longer, harvest them by removing the outer petioles. When a plant is 3 inches in diameter or more, it is complete and ready for use. The tenderest and best-tasting stalks are those near the center. Celery that has been gathered during a hot, dry spell may be hard, stringy, and bitter. For up to two weeks, keep celery that has been harvested in the fridge.
Let’s get growing!
So, you’ve made it till now! Now that you have all the essential information, it’s time to put it to the best use. Yes, it’s time to grow celery indoors.
It feels so great to grow your own food and enjoy the process of nurturing the plants. All the processes are worth your effort. At the end of the day, you’re going to have a constant supply of celery right in your indoor space. Happy Planting!
