How to Grow Celery in Hot Regions

Germination and Seedlings

• 1

  Plant celery seeds in a temperature-controlled area of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit 70 days before the planting date in September. Mix a well-draining soil of 2/3 compost and 1/3 sand, and fill growing flats within 1/4 inch of the top.

• 2

  Soak seeds in water overnight, and scatter them on the soil surface. Cover them with 1/8 inch of sand and water thoroughly. Cover the flat with moist burlap until the seeds germinate.

• 3

  Uncover the flat, and place it in bright indirect light. Keep the young plants uniformly moist.

• 4

  Pick seedlings out of the flat when they are 4 inches tall. Put them in peat pots. When they are 6 inches tall, harden them off to be transplanted into the garden, which should be in September. Move them gradually into brighter light and outdoor conditions over a 10-day period.

Garden Growing

• 5

  Plant celery seedlings, peat pot and all, into soil that is well drained but has a good water-holding capacity. Water them immediately, and keep them uniformly moist as shallow roots dry out quickly.

• 6

  Fertilize celery every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-10 NPK ratio, or with manure tea.

• 7

  Keep weeds from becoming established. Remove them while young so the celery's root system is not disturbed by large weeds being pulled out.

• 8

  Blanch celery plants if desired for milder flavor. Cut tops and bottoms from half-gallon clean milk containers to make a sleeve. Put this over individual celery plants to cover the stalk areas for two weeks before harvest.

• 9

  Harvest celery from November to January. Dig individual plants carefully with a narrow spade so root systems of neighboring celery won't be harmed.