Celery Seeds Tall Utah Seeds
Celery Seeds Tall Utah Seeds
Tall Utah Celery is a popular and widely cultivated variety, known for its adaptability and vigorous growth. The seeds produce celery plants that can reach a height of up to 76 cm, bearing long, smooth stalks with a crisp and tender texture. This variety is characterized by its robust heart development, strong root system, and good resistance to diseases. However, it is important to note that Tall Utah Celery is prone to bolting in cold weather conditions. From sowing to harvest, it typically takes around 100 days for the plants to mature fully.
The origins of Apium Graveolens, commonly known as celery, remain uncertain, with various claims suggesting its initial cultivation in regions such as Sweden, New Zealand, and Algeria. It is believed to have been first domesticated in the Mediterranean basin. Historically, celery was prized for its medicinal properties, and it wasn't until the seventeenth century that French and Italian chefs began incorporating it into their cuisine as an herb or flavoring agent. The introduction of celery to the United States is credited to a Scotsman named George Taylor, who grew it in his garden and served it to guests at a local event.
Utah Celery stands out for its impressive qualities, boasting thick stalks that can grow up to 30 cm in height and are nearly devoid of the typical fibrous strings found in other celery varieties. As a recipient of the prestigious All-American Selections award, this celery variety has earned recognition for its outstanding flavor and consistent performance. It has become a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers across the United States for its reliability and ease of cultivation.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Celery thrives as a fall crop in most regions, so it's best to start sowing seeds approximately 10 weeks before the final spring frost. To expedite germination, soak the seeds overnight before planting them in rows 2.54 cm (1 inch) apart in a flat. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist and keep the flat away from direct sunlight. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings reach around 5.08 cm in height, transplant them into pots. When they reach a height of 15.24 cm or after the last frost date, move them to the garden. Plant them 15.2-20.3 cm apart in rows spaced 61-91 cm apart, ensuring they are placed at the same soil level as in the pots. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter. For beneficial companion planting, consider growing celery alongside tomatoes, cauliflower, or cabbage.
Growing: Provide consistent weekly watering and feed the plants with compost or fertilizer every two weeks. Be diligent in removing weeds. If temperatures consistently drop below 12.7 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit), protect the plants. Successful celery growth hinges on ample moisture, enriched soil, and shielding from excessive heat and sunlight. Many gardeners opt to blanch their celery about two weeks before harvesting for a sweeter, more tender taste. This can be achieved by wrapping newspaper around the stalks up to the point where the leaves begin, using boards to shield the stalks from the sun, or mounding dirt to cover them.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at soil level once it reaches a diameter of 7.6 cm, or pick individual outer stalks when they reach a height of 30.5 cm. Celery leaves are also usable, often used for flavoring like an herb or in salads.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
In regions where the ground freezes over winter, dig up the celery before the first heavy frost. Cover the roots with soil and the stalks with straw, storing them in a humid location with temperatures near freezing. In spring, discard any rotted or damaged stalks and replant the celery after the last frost. In warmer climates, leave the celery in the ground and heavily mulch over winter. In spring, allow the plant to flower; once the seed heads on the flowers turn brown and dry, cut them off and allow them to fully dry indoors. Remove as much chaff as possible, then store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Planting Methods: Direct sow seeds indoors or outdoors.
Blooming Season: Celery typically does not bloom in the first year.
Planting Season: Start planting seeds indoors about 10 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Apium graveolens / USDA Zones 3-9.
Sunlight Required/Height: Full sun to partial shade; reaches a height of approximately 76-91 cm.
Shelf Life After Test Date: Store seeds in a cool, dry place; shelf life varies depending on storage conditions but typically lasts for 2-3 years after the test date.
Seed Type: Open-pollinated seeds.
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained loam soil, but can tolerate clay or sandy soil with proper amendments.