SoCal Home Gardening

Celery

Crunchy stalks, requires steady moisture.

Information on Growing Celery

Growing celery in a home garden can be a rewarding experience, as this versatile vegetable can be used in various culinary dishes. Let's delve into the details of how to grow celery successfully.

1. Variety Selection: When selecting a celery variety, opt for those that are suitable for home gardening. Some popular choices include Utah Green, Golden Self-Blanching, or Tall Utah 52-70. Choose a variety that suits your preference and climate.

2. Starting Seeds: Celery seeds are tiny, so it's helpful to start them indoors in seed trays or small containers around 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use a high-quality seed-starting mix and lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Maintaining consistent moisture and temperature is crucial for successful germination. The ideal temperature for celery germination is around 70�F (21�C).

3. Transplanting Seedlings: After 8-10 weeks, when the celery seedlings have developed strong roots and reached a height of 2-3 inches, they can be carefully transplanted into your garden. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and well-drained. Space the seedlings about 8-10 inches apart in rows that are at least 2 feet apart. Celery requires a long growing season, so ensure you have enough time before the first frost.

4. Soil Requirements: Celery thrives in loose, fertile soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil with aged compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Additionally, celery requires consistent moisture, so the soil should be able to retain water without becoming waterlogged.

5. Watering and Mulching: Maintain even moisture levels throughout the growing season by watering regularly. Water deeply, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist (but not saturated). Mulching around the plants with organic materials like straw or wood chips will help retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.

6. Fertilizing: Celery is a heavy feeder, so providing it with regular nutrients is essential. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost every few weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to overcrowd the plants with excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as this may result in hollow stems.

7. Blanching: Blanching is a technique used to encourage tender stalks and reduce the bitterness in celery. About 2-3 weeks before harvest, begin the blanching process by covering the bases of the celery plants with cardboard or cylindrical collars made of opaque material. These collars or cardboard tubes should be placed around the celery to block the sunlight from reaching the stalks. Ensure they are secure and tall enough to accommodate the celery's growth.

8. Pest and Disease Control: Celery can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Regularly inspect the plants and take appropriate measures if infestations occur, such as using organic insecticidal soap or implementing physical barriers. Disease prevention includes proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoiding over-watering.

9. Harvesting: Celery is typically ready for harvest after 85 to 120 days, depending on the variety. Begin by harvesting the outer stalks first, which will encourage further growth. Cut the stalks at the base using a sharp knife or pruners. You can also choose to harvest the entire plant at once by cutting at ground level. Remember to remove any blanching materials or collars before eating.

Growing celery requires patience, consistent care, and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you'll be on your way to cultivating delicious, homegrown celery in your garden.

Celery Varieties

See All Celery Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.