Top 20 Varieties of Celery to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Celery is a cool-weather crop known for its crisp stalks, which add flavor and crunch to soups, salads, and snacks. While celery can be tricky to grow due to its long growing season and need for consistent moisture, it’s incredibly rewarding when done right. There are different varieties of celery available, including the familiar green types as well as golden and red varieties that add a unique twist to your garden. With the right care, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh celery throughout the season. Here’s your guide to the top 20 celery varieties to grow, with helpful tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Celery Varieties to Grow

1. Tango

Tips: Tango thrives in full sun and moist, rich soil. Water regularly to keep the stalks crisp and tender.
Facts: This popular hybrid variety produces smooth, crisp stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s known for its resistance to bolting and matures in about 85-90 days.

2. Conquistador

Tips: Conquistador grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the stalks from becoming tough.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces tender, flavorful stalks in about 80-85 days. It’s perfect for fresh eating or adding to soups and salads.

3. Giant Pascal

Tips: Giant Pascal prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even growth and tender stalks.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, thick stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 110-120 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

4. Tall Utah

Tips: Tall Utah grows well in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Water consistently to prevent the stalks from becoming tough or stringy.
Facts: This widely grown variety produces tall, crisp stalks with a mild flavor. It matures in about 100-120 days and is great for fresh eating, soups, or salads.

5. Golden Self-Blanching

Tips: Golden Self-Blanching prefers full sun and rich, moist soil. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the stalks tender.
Facts: This variety produces golden-yellow stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking and matures in about 85-90 days.

6. Lathom Self-Blanching

Tips: Lathom Self-Blanching thrives in cool weather and full sun. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: Known for its tender, yellow-green stalks, this variety is perfect for fresh eating or cooking. It matures in about 100-110 days.

7. Redventure

Tips: Redventure grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure tender, crisp stalks.
Facts: This striking variety produces red-streaked stalks with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It matures in about 85-95 days and adds color to salads and dishes.

8. Merengo

Tips: Merengo prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the stalks from becoming tough.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its disease resistance and high yield. It produces smooth, tender stalks with a sweet flavor, perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

9. Dorato d’Asti

Tips: Dorato d’Asti grows well in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to keep the stalks tender and sweet.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces golden-yellow stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 100 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

10. Green Crunch

Tips: Green Crunch thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This variety produces thick, crisp green stalks with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 85-90 days and is great for fresh eating or cooking.

11. Ventura

Tips: Ventura prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the stalks from becoming tough.
Facts: Known for its large, uniform stalks, Ventura has a sweet, mild flavor and crisp texture. It matures in about 100-110 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

12. Amsterdam

Tips: Amsterdam grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to ensure tender, crisp stalks.
Facts: This variety produces smooth, pale green stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 85-90 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

13. Lyon Self-Blanching

Tips: Lyon Self-Blanching thrives in cool weather and full sun. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This variety produces tender, yellow-green stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking and matures in about 100-110 days.

14. Chinese White

Tips: Chinese White prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the stalks tender and prevent bolting.
Facts: This Asian variety produces white stalks with a mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture. It matures in about 85-90 days and is great for fresh eating or stir-fries.

15. Pink Plume

Tips: Pink Plume grows well in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Water consistently to ensure tender, crisp stalks.
Facts: This rare variety produces pink-tinged stalks with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It matures in about 85-95 days and adds color to dishes.

16. Kalamazoo

Tips: Kalamazoo thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the stalks crisp and tender.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces tall, thick stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 100-110 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

17. Afina

Tips: Afina prefers full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to ensure tender, flavorful stalks.
Facts: This variety produces medium-sized, smooth stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 90 days and is great for fresh eating or cooking.

18. Peppermint Stick

Tips: Peppermint Stick grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the stalks crisp and sweet.
Facts: This variety produces red-streaked stalks with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 85-95 days and adds a colorful twist to dishes.

19. Blush

Tips: Blush thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to keep the stalks tender and sweet.
Facts: This variety produces pink-tinged stalks with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 85-95 days and is perfect for fresh eating or adding to salads.

20. Florence

Tips: Florence prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent the stalks from becoming tough or stringy.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces pale green stalks with a mild, crisp flavor. It matures in about 100-110 days and is great for fresh eating or cooking.

Common Questions About Growing Celery

Q: When should I plant celery?
A: Celery is a cool-season crop that requires a long growing season, so it should be started indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed and there’s no risk of frost, typically in early spring.

Q: Can I grow celery in containers?
A: Yes, celery can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Make sure to water regularly, as celery needs consistent moisture to grow well.

Q: How long does celery take to grow?
A: Celery typically takes 90-120 days to mature, depending on the variety. Early-maturing varieties like ‘Conquistador’ may be ready in about 80 days, while larger or late-maturing types may take up to 120 days.

Q: How do I know when celery is ready to harvest?
A: Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are about 8-12 inches tall, thick, and firm. Cut the entire plant at the base or harvest individual stalks as needed.

Q: How do I store harvested celery?
A: Freshly harvested celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh longer, wrap the stalks in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag.