Celery Planting Guide
Crunchy, aromatic stalk vegetable requiring consistent moisture and cool temperatures
Best Time and Place to Plant Celery
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Celery in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 75F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 1.5-2 inches per week; celery demands constant moisture
- Days to harvest: 100
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress every 3 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 4 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Brassicas
- Leeks
Avoid Planting Near
- Parsley
- Parsnip
- Corn
Harvest Signs
- Outer stalks are 12-18 inches tall and at least 1 inch across
- Deep green color throughout stalks
- Cut entire plant at base or harvest outer stalks
- Harvest before stalks hollow or flowering stalk emerges
FAQs
When should I plant Celery?
Celery planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Celery?
The best time of year to plant Celery is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Celery?
Plant Celery in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Celery?
Plant Celery about 6 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Celery?
Celery is commonly paired with Tomatoes, Beans, Brassicas, Leeks.