How long does celery take to grow?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.How long does celery take to grow? This crop for cool seasons requires 120-140 days from seed to harvest and can test your patience. My first successful crop took 131 days in Zone 6b, with transplants growing longer than a store-bought bunch of celery, but was not a plant I could grow without diligent care.
Germination Phase
- 14-21 days under 70°F (21°C) with constant moisture
- Seeds require light - press into soil surface, never bury
- Heat mats boost rates from 50% to 85%
Transplant Preparation
- Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days
- Wait until nighttime temps stay above 50°F (10°C)
- Space plants 8 inches apart in enriched soil
Maturation Period
- 90-110 days post-transplant for stalk thickening
- Weekly fish emulsion feeds accelerate growth
- Blanch stems 3 weeks pre-harvest for tenderness
Soil quality greatly affects the timing of celery crops. Clay soil in my garden added 3 weeks to the maturation time until I incorporated 4 inches of compost into the beds. Raised beds amended with peat moss and perlite allow stalks to mature 12 days faster than ground plots.
Temperature Swings
- Use row covers below 55°F (13°C)
- Shade cloth prevents bolting above 80°F (27°C)
- Monitor with wireless thermometers
Nutrient Gaps
- Yellow leaves signal nitrogen deficiency
- Apply blood meal every 3 weeks
- Test soil pH monthly - adjust to 6.0-6.5
Watering Errors
- 1.5 inches weekly via drip irrigation
- Mulch retains moisture without waterlogging
- Wilted stalks recover within 48 hours
Harvest timing is critical. We must wait till the stalks are 12-15 inches tall and the ribs are firm to the touch. If you pick too early, the flavor will be lost - one year, I picked too early and my stalks were completely bitter. If you want to maintain ongoing yields, simply twist cut the outer stalks instead of cutting them all the way back to the ground and leaving the central growing point behind.
Read the full article: How to Grow Celery: Expert Homegrown Guide
