How to Grow Small Celery? Planting Methods and Timing for Spring, Summer and Autumn

AbstractThe planting methods for small celery include direct seeding and raising seedlings for transplanting. The planting time varies depending on the season. Spring: In northern regions, sow from January to March, transplant from March to April, and harvest from May to July. Summer: In southern and northern regions, transplant from June to early July, and harvest from August to September. Autumn: In northern regions, sow from June to early July, transplant from August to early September, and harvest from October to November.

Celery belongs to the Apiaceae family. Long-term consumption of celery, especially celery leaves, is very effective in preventing high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

I. Planting Methods for Small Celery

1. Direct Seeding and Transplanting

(1) There are two ways to plant small celery: one is to sow small celery seeds directly, and the other is to raise seedlings and transplant them.

(2) When sowing in summer, the seeds should be treated before transplanting. Soak the seeds in water for 4-6 hours; warm water at 20°C-25°C is fine. Let the seeds fully absorb water and stay moist. After soaking, remove them and wrap them in a layer of gauze. They can be hung above water in a cool place, or placed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. At this point, most small celery seeds begin to show white and can be broadcast sown.

(3) After sowing, shade the small celery, preferably by covering with a layer of shade net, which can only be removed after the seedlings emerge. When the seedlings grow to about 16cm, transplant them.

2. Growing Containers

Small celery is usually grown on a balcony, rooftop, living room or courtyard. Flower pots, wooden pots, professional growing boxes or foam plastic boxes can be used as growing containers. The usual planting depth is 15cm-20cm.

3. Growth Cycle

Small celery takes about 3 months from sowing to harvest, and its growth cycle is relatively long. At harvest time, wait until the small celery seedlings are about 40-50cm tall and pull them up in batches. The seedling stage lasts about 1 month, and about 2 months after transplanting they can be harvested.

4. Temperature

Small celery likes cool conditions and fears heat. The optimal growing temperature is 15-20°C. When the temperature exceeds 26°C, it is unfavorable for growth and development and harms quality.

5. Light

Small celery is relatively shade-tolerant. Pay attention to shading before the seedlings emerge, and remove the shade cover after the seedlings emerge to supplement small celery with an appropriate amount of light.

6. Water

The root system of small celery is relatively shallow and not well developed, and it is not drought-tolerant. Because its leaves lose a lot of water through photosynthesis, it needs frequent watering to keep the soil moist.

7. Management Techniques

(1) Soil is very important for the good growth of small celery. It is best to choose fertile, loose, well-drained and aerated slightly acidic soil.

(2) During the growing period, watering and topdressing small celery can meet its basic growth needs. In hot summer, water once in the morning and once in the evening every day, and apply an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks.

(3) The seedbed should preferably be somewhat raised. When transplanting seedlings, note 6 plants in a row, keeping a 30cm spacing, with a row spacing of 40cm-45cm.

II. Planting Time for Small Celery

1. Spring Small Celery

In northern regions, sow from January to March, transplant from March to April, and harvest from May to July.

2. Summer Small Celery

In southern and northern regions, transplant from June to early July, and harvest from August to September.

3. Autumn Small Celery

In northern regions, sow from June to early July, transplant from August to early September, and harvest from October to November.