Field guide
How to grow celery: planting, care, and harvest guide
Celery typically reaches first harvest in 85–120 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant celery by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to May
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to April
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to March
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to February
Companion plants
Good companions: Onions, Radishes, Peas
Harvest
When to pick
- Outer leaves are full sized, crisp, and still tender
- The center is actively producing new growth
How: Cut outer stalks or leaves cleanly and leave the growing point intact for another harvest.
Storage: Cool immediately and refrigerate loosely wrapped. Use tender leaves within one week.
Common pests and problems
Aphids and leaf miners
Signs: Distorted new growth, sticky residue, or pale tunnels in leaves
Control: Inspect weekly, remove damaged leaves, encourage beneficial insects, and use row cover where practical.
About this field guide
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