Chinese Celery Seeds - Apium graveolens var. secalinum

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Chinese Celery is grown as a cool-season annual across all zones. Planting times must be carefully scheduled so that the plant matures during cool, mild weather.

Best Performance - Thrives in consistent moisture and mild temperatures, ideally between 60-75 degrees F. Hot weather can cause the stalks to become pithy and may induce bolting (premature flowering).

Northern Zones (2-6) - Starting seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost is essential to ensure a long enough growing season for a summer harvest. A fall crop can also be started in early summer.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Perfectly suited for fall planting for a harvest that extends through the mild winter and into spring. Spring planting is possible but must be timed very early so the crop matures before the intense summer heat arrives.

Soil Temperature - Germination is slow and requires light. The optimal soil temperature is between 60-75 degrees F. A heat mat is recommended when starting seeds indoors.

Growing Season - Requires about 80-100 days from sowing to the first harvest. Once it starts producing, it can be harvested for many weeks.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Chinese Celery has a long growing season and is slow to germinate, so starting seeds indoors is highly recommended.

For a spring/summer crop: Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last average frost date.

For a fall/winter crop (in mild climates): Start seeds indoors in late spring or early summer to transplant out for a fall harvest.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun in cooler climates or partial afternoon shade in hotter regions. The soil must be rich, fertile, and most importantly, moisture-retentive. This plant is a heavy feeder and cannot tolerate drying out. Ample compost should be worked into the bed before planting.

How to Plant:

Start Indoors: Celery seeds need light to germinate. Sow seeds on the surface of a sterile seed-starting mix and press them gently onto the soil; do not cover them.

Maintain Moisture & Warmth: Cover the seed tray with a plastic dome to maintain high humidity and place it in a warm spot (70-75 degrees F). Be patient, as germination can take 14-21 days.

Harden Off: Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall and have been growing for several weeks, you must acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Do this gradually over 7-10 days.

Transplant Outdoors: When all danger of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into the prepared garden bed, spacing them 8-10 inches apart.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering (Most Critical Step): Chinese Celery is extremely thirsty and needs consistently moist soil. Never let the soil dry out completely. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal. Inconsistent watering will result in tough, fibrous stalks.

Fertilizing: This is a very heavy feeder. Feed the plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season to support their lush growth.

Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the plants to help conserve soil moisture, keep roots cool, and suppress weeds.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the stalks are about 8-10 inches tall. Use the "cut-and-come-again" method by snipping the outer stalks at the base of the plant. This will allow the inner stalks to continue to grow and extend your harvest for a long period.