How do I grow celery from celery?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Regrow celery from kitchen scraps as you turn a leftover into a flourishing fresh plant. Reduce food waste and have fresh produce; this project needs little more than a celery base and some water. Use precise regrowth methods, like mine, to achieve reliable results and avoid mistakes that can lead to rot or unclear growth.
Base Preparation
- Select fresh organic celery with intact root zone
- Cut 2-inch (5 cm) base using sharp sterilized knife
- Remove outer stalks if damaged but preserve center crown
Water Setup
- Use shallow container with 1 inch (2.5 cm) water depth
- Insert toothpicks 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from bottom for suspension
- Position in bright indirect light away from heat sources
Replace water every 48 hours. Always use filtered water at room temperature. Keeping the water between 65-75°F (18-24°C) helps plants start growing quicker. Protect them from direct sunlight (which encourages algae). Consider adding a liquid seaweed extract to their feed on a weekly basis.
Transplant as soon as the roots are 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Prepare pots with drainage holes, fill them with a potting mix, and bury the roots entirely, leaving the cut surface exposed. Water them very well and set them in partial shade for a few days until they have adjusted.
Transplant care also promotes growth. Water when the top 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) of soil becomes dry. Fertilize with diluted fish emulsion every 14 days. Pick the outermost stalks when they are about 8 weeks old, twisting them as you pull them up. Leave the center for continual picking.
Diagnose factors causing base rot or halted growth. Remove any slimy components without hesitation. Conduct more frequent water exchanges during hotter months. Increase lighting exposure if plants are yellowing. This satisfying project offers garden-to-table freshness throughout the year.
Read the full article: How to Grow Celery: Expert Tips for Success
