Tall Utah Celery Guide

This tall drink of Utah celery is the premier choice for crispy tender flavor. Growing smooth dark green stalks reaching up to 12”, the vigorous heirloom grows compact and will be a fine companion for your small space or container gardens. Celery is hard to grow but the Tall Utah should lend a hand with its traditional hardiness.

TO SOW

Celery is a little finicky when it comes to temperature – not too hot and not too cold. It grows best in temperate weather between 60°F-70°F. The Tall Utah does great in small spaces or gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends transplanting.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside 4-6 weeks after last frost date; or

• Direct seed into a container 8-10 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 60°F-75°F; or

If Transplanting

Start the celery seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date in biodegradable pods that will let the roots grow; germination is best between 65°F-70°F. It can be transplanted outside 12 weeks later.

Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 4-6 inches apart with rows spaced 16-24 inches apart. Germination will take 14-21 days.

TO GROW

Celery likes well-draining, rich, fertile soil full of nutrients and free of weeds. They also love full sun and consistent, regular watering. Do not let the soil dry out between watering. Check the top 1-2 inches of soil and if it is dry, then water it.

Celery needs a lot of nutrients so add aged compost to the soil prior to planting. Mulch to retain moisture, regulate heat and deter weeds. Use compost tea, fish emulsion or 5-10-10 fertilizer at half strength. Blanching is optional but it will decrease nutrients in the celery stalk.

TO REAP

Celery is full grown in 90-120 days. Cut the stalks when they reach desired size. It is best to harvest in the morning to avoid the heat. When you reap your own grown celery, know that this is an impressive feat with the finicky plant!

COMMON PESTS/DISEASES

Aphids, thrips, mites, celery worms, cabbage loopers - pick off, spray off, insecticidal soap, neem oil

Blight, leaf spot, damping off, mosaic – ensure enough air circulation, cut off affected parts, fungicide, neem oil, rotate crop every 3 years

*Companion plant celery with beans, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, and lettuce. Avoid planting with carrots, parsley, and turnips. *