Garden Help > Vegetables

Celery is challenging to grow in most of Santa Clara County. It grows best at 60 to 65ºF, though it will tolerate temperatures from 45 to 75ºF. But it is difficult to find a four-month growing period in Santa Clara County that stays within that temperature range.

Many gardeners who have tried growing celery here report getting loose stalks rather than dense heads like store-bought celery. They also say the flavor is very strong, better for cooking than eating fresh.

Celery Production in California

Planting

• Transplant in February to March.
• For transplants: Celery seeds are very small and difficult to germinate. Allow 1 to 2 weeks for germination. Grow seedlings for 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting, so sow seeds in November to December for February to March transplants.
• Celery is shallow-rooted and needs frequent irrigation and ample nitrogen. Lack of water or fertilizer may result in tough, bitter stalks.
• If long periods of cool temperatures occur during growth, the plants might bolt (send up a seed stalk).

Harvesting

• Harvest when (if) a head forms and before stalks begin to crack or turn pithy, typically 3 to 5 months after transplanting, in May to June.
• Trim outer stalks and excess foliage.

Pest management

Celery pest management, UC IPM (written for agriculture rather than home gardeners)