Celery
Apium graveolens dulcefam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 89C9 — Apium graveolens dulce
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IOverview
Overview
Celery (Apium graveolens dulce) is a biennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Belgium, and Bulgaria. Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, celery is widely cultivated for its edible leaves, roots, and seeds. This plant thrives in light (sandy) and medium soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. One distinctive feature of celery is its light, airy habit, reaching heights of about 0.6 meters and spreading up to 0.45 meters wide. Its moist nature and preference for well-drained soils make it an interesting addition to gardens or agricultural settings.
Quick answers
What is Celery?
Celery (Apium graveolens dulce) is a biennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Belgium, and Bulgaria. Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, celery is widely cultivated for its edible leaves, roots, and seeds.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
Soothing Skin
skinpowder
Traditional use for soothing skin irritations and minor wounds.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Celery (Apium graveolens dulce) thrives in light to moderately moist soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It prefers light (sandy) or medium soil types. Sow seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors for best results. This biennial plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and 0.45 meters wide, making it suitable for most garden beds. The edible parts include the leaves, root, and seed. Ensure the plant receives adequate light but avoid direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. Skip hardiness details as this information is not provided.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m × 0.45 m
Soil pH
6.5–7
- Propagation
- "Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors
For first-time growers
How to grow Celery for the first time
8steps
Celery is a manageable plant for beginners, requiring careful soil preparation and regular care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, seed starting mix, containers for transplanting, compost, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Start seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, well-draining soil mix. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds indoors in trays filled with seed starting mix, keeping them moist but not waterlogged. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to prevent leaf burn. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune outer leaves as needed to encourage inner growth and harvest roots when they reach desired size.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too early in the season, not providing enough shade, using heavy soil that doesn't drain well.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootSeed
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Gulf States, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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