Apium graveolens var. dulce

Apiaceae

Celery

Edible, erect, biennial herb to 1m (3 feet). Strong-smelling pinnate leaves. 5-7 leaflets, ternately lobed or compound and often divided or toothed.

Uses

Harvest the whole of the plant before the seed stalk develops. Storage at 0-4 degrees C and 90% humidity extends shelf life. Used in salads and soups. Vegetable.

Culture

Prefers temperatures between 16-21 degrees C and a cool or partly shaded position in warm weather. Temperatures below 10 degrees C can cause plant to flower, ruining the crop. Must be grown quickly to produce tender stalks. Requires high levels of nitrogen. Apply regular applications of animal manures and liquid fertiliser. Taste is improved by adequate supplies of chlorine and sodium. Optimum soil pH of 6.5 Prone to attack from slugs and snails. Can suffer from Septoria leaf spot. Remove side shoots. Plant densely or cover stalks to blanch them. http://osu.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/celery.html

Propagation

Seed.

Cultivars

Several cultivars available including self-blanching varieties.

Plant Health

Relatively free of pests and diseases but young seedlings can be prone to root rot if planted too deeply.

More info

'Home Vegetable Growing' and 'Commercial Vegetable Production' courses through Australian Correspondence Schools, see www.acs.edu.au/hort. 'Commercial Hydroponics' on CDROM from Australian Correspondence Schools

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