How Long For Celery To Grow

If you’re planning to grow celery in your garden, one of the first questions you’ll have is how long for celery to grow. This crisp, flavorful vegetable is known for it’s longer growing season, but the wait is absolutely worth it for the homegrown taste.

From the tiny seed to the crunchy stalk on your plate, celery requires patience and specific care. This guide walks you through every step, giving you a clear timeline and the know-how to succeed.

On average, celery takes between 120 to 140 days to mature from seed to harvest. This timeline can vary based on the variety you choose, your local climate, and the growing conditions you provide. It’s one of the longer-season vegetables, so planning is key.

Most gardeners start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before their last expected spring frost. This indoor head start is crucial for getting a harvest before fall frosts arrive. Transplants then spend another 70 to 90 days in the garden before they are ready to be picked.

Breaking Down the Celery Growth Timeline

Let’s look at the stages of celery growth and how long each typically takes.

Seed Germination (14-21 days): Celery seeds are notoriously slow to sprout. They require light, consistent moisture, and warm soil temperatures around 70°F (21°C). Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see anything for a while.
Indoor Seedling Growth (10-12 weeks): After germination, the seedlings grow slowly indoors. They need plenty of light—a sunny south window or grow lights—to become strong, stocky transplants.
Acclimatization & Transplanting (7-10 days): This “hardening off” period is when you gradually introduce indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions. Then, they are planted in the garden.
Early Outdoor Growth (3-4 weeks): After transplanting, celery focuses on establishing it’s root system and producing new leaves. Growth may seem slow at first.
Stalk Development & Bulking Up (60-70 days): This is the main growth period where stalks thicken and lengthen. Consistent water and nutrients are vital now.
Harvest Window (14+ days): You can begin selective harvesting of outer stalks once the plant is full-sized, or cut the whole plant at its base.

Starting Celery from Seed Indoors

Because celery needs so many days to mature, starting seeds indoors is non-negotiable in most climates. Follow these steps for the best results.

Timing is Everything: Calculate your planting date. Count back 10-12 weeks from your last spring frost date. That’s when you should sow seeds indoors.
Prepping the Seeds: Celery seeds have a hard coat. Soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before planting can improve germination rates. Don’t plant them to deep, as they need light to germinate.
Sowing and Germination: Surface-sow the seeds onto pre-moistened seed starting mix. Gently press them into the soil but do not cover. Use a spray bottle to keep the surface consistently moist. Cover the tray with a plastic dome to retain humidity.
Providing Light and Warmth: Place the tray in a warm spot or on a heat mat set to 70°F. Once sprouts appear (in 2-3 weeks), immediately move them under bright grow lights for 14-16 hours a day.
Caring for Seedlings: Keep the soil evenly moist. When seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them or transplant into individual cell packs or small pots.

Common Indoor Starting Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls for healthier celery starts.

Insufficient light, which causes leggy, weak seedlings.
Letting the soil dry out even once during germination.
Planting seeds to deep, which prevents sprouting.
Transplanting outdoors without a proper hardening-off period.

Transplanting Celery into the Garden

Celery is a cool-weather crop but it’s not frost-hardy. Transplant seedlings outdoors 1-2 weeks after your last frost date, when soil temperatures reach at least 50°F (10°C) and night temps stay above 40°F (4°C).

Harden Off Plants: For 7-10 days, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor sun and wind. Start with an hour in shade, increasing time and sun exposure each day.
Prepare the Soil: Celery thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Work in 2-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. The soil should be loose and drain well.
Planting: Space plants 8 to 10 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Plant them at the same depth they were in their pots. Water in thoroughly with a diluted liquid fertilizer to reduce transplant shock.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Celery

To get celery to mature within the expected timeframe, it needs consistent care. It’s not a “plant and forget” vegetable.

Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours) is ideal, but it can tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates.
Soil: Fertile, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It has a shallow root system, so soil quality in the top 6 inches is critical.
Water: This is the most important factor. Celery is 95% water and needs consistent, deep watering. Never let the soil dry out. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent choices.
Temperature: It grows best in daytime temperatures of 60-70°F (15-21°C). It can bolt (go to seed) if exposed to temperatures below 50°F for extended periods after maturity, or if stressed by heat and drought.

Feeding and Care Through the Season

Celery is a heavy feeder. Prepare to supplement it’s diet for robust growth.

Initial Fertilizer: At planting, mix a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil according to package directions.
Side-Dressing: Feed plants again with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like fish emulsion or a balanced blend) about 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting.
Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) around plants. This conserves moisture, keeps roots cool, and suppresses weeds.
Blanching (Optional): For milder, less bitter stalks with pale color, you can blanch celery. About 2 weeks before harvest, gently wrap the stalks with cardboard, newspaper, or specially made blanching sleeves, leaving the leaves exposed. This blocks sunlight from the stalks.

When and How to Harvest Celery

You’ve waited patiently, and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Whole Plant Harvest: When the plant looks full and the stalks are a good size (check your variety’s expected height), use a sharp knife to cut the entire plant at the soil line. This is typically around 120-140 days from seeding.

Stalk-by-Stalk Harvest: You can begin earlier by harvesting outer stalks as needed. Snap or cut individual stalks at the base, starting from the outside. The inner heart will continue producing new growth.

Signs Your Celery is Ready

Stalks are firm and snap crisply when bent.
The plant has reached it’s mature size, usually 12-18 inches tall.
Stalks are thick and have a solid feel.

Troubleshooting Common Growing Problems

Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.

Stringy or Tough Stalks: Usually caused by inconsistent watering or nutrient deficiency. Ensure even soil moisture and regular feeding.
Bolting (Going to Seed): Triggered by temperature fluctuations—cold snaps after maturity or prolonged heat. Choose bolt-resistant varieties and plant at the correct time for your climate.
Hollow Stalks: Often a result of uneven watering or a lack of boron in the soil. Consistent moisture and adding compost usually prevents this.
Pests: Watch for aphids, celery leaf miners, and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants regularly. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can manage aphids.

FAQ: Your Celery Questions Answered

Can I grow celery from a store-bought stalk base?

Yes, you can regrow leaves from a cut stalk base in water, which is fun for kitchen scraps. However, this method rarely produces a full, harvestable plant with thick stalks. For a proper harvest, starting from seed or buying transplants is recommended.

Is celery a perennial plant?

No, celery is grown as an annual vegetable. It completes it’s life cycle—from seed to harvest—in one growing season.

Why are my celery seedlings so thin and spindly?

This is almost always due to insufficient light. Celery seedlings need intense, direct light for 14-16 hours a day. A sunny windowsill is often not enough. Invest in a simple LED grow light placed just a few inches above the seedlings.

Can I plant celery in a container?

Absolutely. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide for one plant. Ensure it has excellent drainage and use a high-quality potting mix. Container celery will need even more frequent watering, possibly daily in hot weather.

What are some good companion plants for celery?

Celery grows well near beans, cabbage family plants (like broccoli and cauliflower), and tomatoes. Some gardeners plant it with leeks or onions to help deter certain pests. Avoid planting it near parsnips or corn, which can compete for resources.

Growing celery is a test of a gardener’s skill and patience, but the reward of crisp, homegrown stalks is unmatched. By understanding it’s long timeline—from seed to harvest—and providing the consistent moisture and rich soil it craves, you can master this garden challenge. Remember to start early, water diligently, and enjoy the process of nurturing this unique vegetable from a tiny seed to a crunchy, flavorful staple in your kitchen.