How to Grow Celery in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Celery is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that adds a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and stews. While it can be a bit challenging to grow, starting celery in February gives you plenty of time to cultivate healthy plants for a productive harvest later in the year. With proper care and the right techniques, you can grow crisp and flavorful celery that’s far superior to store-bought varieties.

This guide covers everything you need to know about growing celery in February, from choosing the best varieties to sowing, caring for, and harvesting your crop.

Introduction: Why Grow Celery in February?

Celery has a long growing season and thrives in cool, moist conditions, making February an excellent time to start sowing seeds. By beginning early, you allow celery plants to develop strong roots and stems before the heat of summer arrives. Whether you’re growing in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or directly in the garden, starting celery now will set you up for a successful harvest.

Although celery requires a bit of patience and attention, the results are well worth the effort. With its refreshing flavor and versatility, celery is a rewarding addition to any vegetable garden.

1. Choosing the Best Celery Varieties

Different celery varieties cater to various growing conditions and uses. Here are some of the best options to consider:

1.1 Tall Utah

• A popular variety known for its crisp, upright stalks.
• Excellent for fresh eating and cooking.

1.2 Tango

• A tender variety with excellent flavor and fewer strings.
• Ideal for both home gardens and containers.

1.3 Giant Pascal

• Produces large, robust stalks with a mild, sweet flavor.
• Suitable for cooler climates.

1.4 Golden Self-Blanching

• A self-blanching variety that develops pale, tender stems without earthing up.
• Great for gardeners who prefer less maintenance.

1.5 Chinese Pink Celery

• A unique variety with vibrant pink stalks and a peppery flavor.
• Perfect for adding color and spice to salads and stir-fries.

2. Sowing Celery Seeds in February

2.1 Where to Sow

• Start celery seeds indoors, in a heated greenhouse, or under a cold frame in February.
• Celery seeds are tiny and require a fine seed-starting compost for germination.

2.2 Seed Sowing Process

1. Fill seed trays or pots with seed-starting compost.
2. Sprinkle seeds thinly over the surface without covering them, as celery seeds need light to germinate.
3. Mist lightly with water to moisten the surface.
4. Cover trays with a clear lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth.

2.3 Germination Time

• Celery seeds can take 10–20 days to germinate, depending on conditions.
• Maintain a consistent temperature of 18–21°C to encourage germination.

3. Growing On and Transplanting

3.1 Pricking Out Seedlings

• Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or larger modules.
• Handle carefully to avoid damaging the delicate roots.

3.2 Hardening Off

• Before planting outdoors, harden off celery seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

3.3 Final Planting

• Transplant seedlings to their final growing position when they are 4–6 inches tall.
• Space plants 8–10 inches apart in rows, with rows spaced 12–18 inches apart.

4. Preparing the Soil

Celery thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Follow these steps for soil preparation:

1. Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure to provide essential nutrients.
2. Ensure the soil is free-draining but retains moisture, as celery prefers consistently damp conditions.
3. Test the soil pH and adjust to a slightly acidic to neutral range (6.0–7.0) for optimal growth.

5. Caring for Your Celery

5.1 Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, as celery is a thirsty plant.
• Avoid letting the soil dry out, as this can result in tough, stringy stalks.

5.2 Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth.
• Once plants are established, switch to a high-potash fertilizer to encourage sturdy stalks.

5.3 Mulching

• Add a layer of mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

5.4 Blanching Stalks

• For varieties that aren’t self-blanching, wrap the base of the plants with cardboard or mound soil around the stems to blanch them and improve flavor.

6. Pests and Diseases

6.1 Common Pests

• Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybirds.
• Slugs and Snails: Protect young plants with organic barriers or traps.
• Celery Leaf Miner: Remove and destroy affected leaves to prevent the spread of larvae.

6.2 Common Diseases

• Celery Mosaic Virus: Use resistant varieties and remove infected plants promptly.
• Fusarium Wilt: Avoid waterlogging and ensure proper drainage.
• Septoria Leaf Spot: Maintain good airflow and avoid overhead watering.

7. Harvesting Celery

7.1 When to Harvest

• Celery is ready to harvest about 12–16 weeks after transplanting.
• Stalks should be firm, crisp, and at least 6–8 inches tall.

7.2 How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife to cut stalks at the base of the plant.
• Alternatively, harvest the entire plant by pulling it up from the soil.

7.3 Storing Celery

• Store harvested celery in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• For longer storage, blanch and freeze celery stalks or dice them for soups and stews.

8. Benefits of Growing Celery

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Versatility: Perfect for snacking, cooking, or adding to salads and soups.
• Long Growing Season: Provides an extended harvest with proper care.
• Visual Appeal: Unique varieties like Chinese Pink add color and interest to your garden.

Conclusion: Start Growing Celery for a Crisp and Flavorful Harvest

Growing celery in February is a great way to kickstart your gardening season. By selecting the right varieties, providing consistent care, and following these tips, you’ll enjoy a productive crop of crisp, flavorful celery. While it requires patience and attention, the rewards of homegrown celery make it a worthwhile addition to your vegetable garden.

Happy gardening! 🌱

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Celery

1. Can I grow celery in containers?
   Yes, celery grows well in deep containers with good drainage.
2. How long does celery take to grow?
   Celery takes about 12–16 weeks from transplanting to harvest.
3. What’s the best soil for celery?
   Rich, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0 is ideal.
4. How often should I water celery?
   Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
5. How do I prevent celery from bolting?
   Ensure plants are not stressed by heat, drought, or overcrowding.
6. Can I grow celery year-round?
   Yes, with successive sowings and a greenhouse or polytunnel, celery can be grown year-round.
7. Why are my celery stalks thin and stringy?
   Thin stalks result from inconsistent watering or insufficient nutrients.
8. Do I need to blanch celery?
   Only non-self-blanching varieties require blanching to improve flavor and texture.
9. How do I store harvested celery?
   Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or blanch and freeze for longer storage.
10. What temperature does celery need to grow?
    Celery thrives in temperatures between 15–21°C and prefers cool, moist conditions.