Leaf Celery
Apium graveolens secalinum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 1B18 — Apium graveolens secalinum
Apium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinumApium graveolens secalinum
IOverview
Overview
Leaf Celery (Apium graveolens secalinum) is a biennial herb in the carrot family, known for its edible leaves and seeds. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, this plant thrives in moist, light soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It can be propagated through direct sowing or transplanting of seedlings after the last frost. Leaf Celery is particularly valued for its crisp, tender stalks that mature in the fall, making it a popular choice among gardeners. One distinctive feature is its light energy requirement, with an intensity level of 7/10, indicating it prefers moderate sunlight. Another notable characteristic is its height of about 60 cm, which helps in distinguishing it from other herbs in the garden.
Quick answers
What is Leaf Celery?
Leaf Celery (Apium graveolens secalinum) is a biennial herb in the carrot family, known for its edible leaves and seeds. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, this plant thrives in moist, light soil with a pH between 6.
What is Leaf Celery used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Leaf Celery
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Leaf Celery appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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 soothing the stomach.
Soothing Skin Blend
skindecoction
Traditional use for skin conditions and minor irritations.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Leaf Celery thrives in a light to medium soil with a pH of 6.5–7 and prefers moist conditions. It is best sown indoors about 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors in late spring or early summer. Once transplanted, space plants 30cm apart. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and will mature in about 80 days for crisp, tender stalks. Harvest the leaves and seeds as needed. Leaf Celery is hardy in temperate regions.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
- Propagation
- "Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before transplanting outdoors
- Germination
- 21 days
- Days to maturity
- 80
- Spacing
- 30cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Leaf Celery for the first time
8steps
Leaf Celery is a rewarding plant for beginners, but it requires patience and careful attention to soil conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, seed starting mix, outdoor garden bed, stakes or cages.
- 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 well-draining potting mix with plenty of organic matter. Ensure containers are at least 30cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds indoors, then transplant seedlings outdoors after they reach about 10-12cm in height.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to prevent leaf burn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any yellowing leaves and trim the plant to encourage new growth throughout the season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough shade, neglecting to stake tall plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves of Leaf Celery can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, they are used fresh in salads for their crisp texture and mild flavor. The seeds are also edible and can be harvested when mature, then dried and ground into a spice similar to celery seed.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstanOman
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Gulf States, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Nova Scotia
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1b18b473-2053-4cd3-bca6-3be74745735a
Decision aid
Choosing between Leaf Celery and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.