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Crop Guide

How to grow celery

Vegetable · Water-sensitive · Frost-tolerant

Primary source · Msu Extension
Celery
Moisture range
50–70%
Days to maturity
100–120
Light
Growing Degree Units
1650 · base 40°F
When to plant celery where you garden
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates, counted from your own frost dates.
See planting calendar →
or the link above opens zone 6b to browse.

Growing notes

Celery is shallow rooted and needs frequent watering. Both crops grow best in high organic matter soil since they are heavy feeders and need abundant and consistent moisture.

Planting referencespacing
Spacing
6" · Rows: 24"

Companions & antagonists

Plant near:LeekTomato
Tip: High water needs — most demanding cool-season crop.

Common questions

How much water does celery need?

Celery is water-sensitive — shallow roots and a steady thirst. Keep soil moisture in roughly the 50–70% range and don't let it dry out fully, or growth stalls and leafy crops turn bitter.

Can I grow celery in a raised bed or container?

Yes — celery does well in raised beds and is happy in a decent-sized container too, as long as drainage is good.

Does celery come back every year?

No — celery is an annual. It completes its life in one season, so you replant it each year.