When To Plant Celery In Texas

Knowing when to plant celery in Texas is the first step to a successful harvest. This cool-season crop needs specific timing to thrive in our unique climate, and getting it right makes all the difference.

Celery can be a bit tricky here, but with the right schedule, you can grow crisp, flavorful stalks in your own garden. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting windows for both North and South Texas, along with the simple steps to get your plants started strong.

The best time to plant celery in Texas depends heavily on whether you’re starting from seed or transplants. It’s a long-season crop, taking 120 to 140 days to mature, so planning ahead is crucial.

For most of Texas, the primary planting season is for a fall crop. This allows celery to mature during the cooler autumn months when it grows best.

Planting by Texas Region

Texas has diverse climate zones, so let’s break it down.

North Texas (DFW, Panhandle, Waco)

Your window is fairly narrow. Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before your first average fall frost date. For transplants, get them in the ground 10-12 weeks before that first frost. This usually means:

Start seeds indoors: Mid-June to early July.
Transplant seedlings: Late August to early September.

You can also attempt a very early spring planting, but summer heat arrives quickly and can ruin the crop.

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country)

You have a bit more flexibility. Follow the same seed-starting timeline, aiming for a fall harvest. Your typical schedule is:

Start seeds indoors: Early to mid-July.
Transplant seedlings: Mid to late September.

The slightly longer fall gives celery more time to bulk up before any light freezes.

South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi, Valley)

Your mild winters allow for a longer growing season. You can plant for a fall or even a winter harvest. Here’s your guide:

Start seeds indoors: Late July to August.
Transplant seedlings: October to early November.

Your celery will often grow straight through the winter, providing a fresh harvest in late winter or early spring.

Why Fall Planting is Best

Celery prefers consistent temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It bolts (goes to seed) and turns bitter in hot weather. Planting in late summer for a fall harvest lets the plant establish itself as heat fades and mature in the ideal cool season. It also taste sweeter after a light frost or two.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for healthy celery plants.

1. Starting Seeds Indoors

Celery seeds are tiny and need a long head start. Begin 12-14 weeks before your transplant date.

Use a fine seed-starting mix in trays or small pots. Celery seeds need light to germinate, so barely press them into the soil surface; don’t cover them.
Keep the soil consistently moist. A spray bottle is perfect for this. Cover the tray with a plastic dome to retain humidity.
Place in a warm spot (70-75°F). Germination can be slow, taking 2-3 weeks. Once sprouted, remove the dome and provide plenty of light, like a sunny window or grow light.

2. Preparing the Garden Bed

Celery demands rich, moisture-retentive soil. A few weeks before transplanting, prepare your bed:

Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
Ensure the soil is loose and drains well to prevent rot.
Celery likes a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

3. Transplanting Seedlings

When seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and have several true leaves, they’re ready. Harden them off for 7-10 days first by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Transplant on a cloudy afternoon or in the evening to reduce shock.
Space plants 8-10 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Plant at the same depth they were in their pots. Water deeply immediately after planting.

4. Essential Care Tips

Consistency is key for celery. It’s mostly water, after all!

Watering: Celery needs 1-2 inches of water per week. Never let the soil dry out completely. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Fertilizing: Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks. They are heavy feeders.
Blanching (Optional): For milder, less bitter stalks, you can blanch them 2-3 weeks before harvest by wrapping the base with cardboard or paper tubes to block sunlight.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.

Common Problems and Solutions

Watch out for these typical issues in Texas gardens.

Bolting: Caused by temps below 55°F for young plants or a sudden spike in heat. Stick to the fall planting schedule to avoid this.
Stringy, Bitter Stalks: Usually from inconsistent watering, poor soil, or harvesting too late. Keep the water and nutrients steady.
Pests: Aphids and cabbage loopers are common. Spray aphids off with water or use insecticidal soap. Handpick loopers.
Diseases: Fungal issues like leaf spot can occur. Water at the soil level, ensure good air circulation, and remove affected leaves promptly.

Harvesting Your Texas Celery

You can start harvesting individual outer stalks when the plant is full-sized, usually about 3 months after transplanting. For a full head, use a sharp knife to cut the entire plant at the soil line. In South Texas, your winter celery may hold in the garden for weeks, allowing for cut-and-come-again harvesting.

If a hard freeze below 25°F is forecast, its best to harvest your entire crop, as severe cold can damage the stalks.

FAQ: Growing Celery in Texas

Can I plant celery in the spring in Texas?

It’s challenging. Spring weather warms too fast, causing celery to bolt. Only gardeners in far North Texas might succeed with very early spring transplants, harvested before June heat.

What are the best celery varieties for Texas?

Choose heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Tall Utah 52-70’, ‘Ventura’, or ‘Chinese Golden’ (a cutting celery). These are better suited to our variable conditions.

Can I grow celery in containers?

Absolutely. Use a deep pot (at least 8-12 inches) with drainage holes. Be extra vigilant about watering, as containers dry out faster. A single plant per large pot is best.

Why are my celery seedlings so leggy?

This is almost always due to insufficient light. Move them to a brighter south-facing window or use a simple grow light placed just a few inches above the seedlings for 12-14 hours a day.

How do I store harvested celery?

For short-term use, wrap the whole head in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It can last for weeks. You can also chop and freeze it for use in cooked dishes later.

By following this Texas-specific timing guide, you give your celery the best possible start. Remember, the secret is working with our climate, not against it. A fall planting, consistent moisture, and rich soil will lead to a satisfying harvest of your own crisp, homegrown celery.