Celery and Celeriac (Apium graveolens and Apium rapaceum)
Green celery (Apium graveolens) is the most popular type of celery in the United States. It is an herb and vegetable member of the parsley family. Celery is a versatile ingredient for cooking, used both fresh and frozen. The stalk is commonly served raw or cooked in vegetable dishes.
Celeriac (Apium rapaceum), also known as celery root, is grown for its smooth celery flavor and long storage capacity. Celeriac has a fine-grained white flesh and tastes much like a stalk of celery. Celery seed for spices is derived from smallage, a wild type of celery from which modern celery and celeriac were derived. Celeriac is often cooked and added to mixed vegetable dishes. It is easier to grow than celery if conditions are cool and moist.
Temperature
If the temperatures are above 80°F in the dark, celery likely will not germinate. A constant temperature of 75°F should be maintained until the seedlings have emerged, then plant shallowly and allow a small amount of light to reach them. Upon seedling emergence, keep a temperature in the range of 60°F to 80°F. A mean monthly temperature of 60-70°F is when celery grows best, this is due to the crop having exacting climate requirements. A temperature higher in the month prior to harvest reduces vegetative growth, while temperatures below the range induce bolting.
Soil
Well-draining, deep, fertile, mineral soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5, muck soils are ideal for celery. Plow 8 to 10 inches deep and form a firm plant bed prior to planting. Celery requires frequent irrigation.
Planting
It is possible to replant for a second crop after early celery has been harvested.
Spacing
Rows should be 24-36 inches apart with 6-8 inches between plants.
Harvest
When celery is growing rapidly it is ready for harvest in 6-8 days. Plants become pithy and marketability significantly decreases following the initial harvest window. Celery is hand-harvested, cut, or pulled from the base. Store at 32-35°F and 98-100% relative humidity. Celery absorbs odors so be sure not to store them near other items.
Celeriac is ready for harvest when the root is roughly 3-4 inches in diameter. It is harvested by cutting the top off and trimming the root. Celeriac stores well for several months when kept at 32°F and 95% humidity.
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