Very popular, Utah Tall Celery plants can reach up to 30 inches in height and produce long, smooth stalks with a crisp and tender texture.
Success with celery depends on abundant moisture, rich soil, and protection from direct sun and high temperatures. For a milder and more tender taste, many gardeners blanch their celery about two weeks before harvesting by wrapping newspaper around the stalks or placing them behind boards.
Start your celery seeds 10 weeks before the last expected soil frost. Soak the seeds overnight to speed up germination, then sow them in a row in a tray, keeping spaces of 1 inch between each. Keep the seedlings protected from direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. Germination can take up to 2 or 3 weeks. When the seedlings reach 2 inches in height, transplant them into pots and only move them to the garden when they reach 6 inches or after the last soil frost. Space them 6 to 8 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Make sure to provide them with soil rich in compost or organic matter.
Water them weekly and fertilize every two weeks. It is crucial to carefully remove weeds. If the temperature consistently drops below 55°F (12°C), cover the plants.
To harvest celery, cut the entire plant at ground level when it reaches a diameter of about 3 inches. Celery leaves can also be used in salads or dried to make celery salt or flavor dishes.
