How to Grow Celery in Colorado

Growing celery in Colorado can be a rewarding experience, especially for gardeners eager to cultivate their own fresh vegetables. However, due to Colorado’s unique climate and soil conditions, successful celery cultivation requires careful planning and execution. This article will guide you through the essential steps to grow healthy celery in the Centennial State.

Understanding Celery

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in mild temperatures. It is known for its crisp texture and distinct flavor, making it a popular choice for salads, soups, and snacks. Celery is a long-growing plant, taking approximately 120 to 150 days from seed to harvest. In Colorado’s challenging climate, understanding its growth requirements is crucial for success.

Choosing the Right Variety

Not all celery varieties are created equal. When selecting a variety for Colorado, consider those specifically bred for shorter growing seasons or that exhibit better tolerance to dry conditions:

• Tall Utah: A robust variety that adapts well to various climates.
• Pascal: Known for its excellent flavor and crispness.
• Golden Self-Blanching: This variety has an early maturity rate and a sweeter taste.

Investigating local seed suppliers and checking with fellow gardeners can yield valuable insights into which varieties thrive best in your specific area.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting celery seeds indoors is recommended in Colorado due to its short growing season. Begin the process 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Here’s how:

Gather Your Supplies

• Seed trays or small pots
• Seed starting mix (lightweight and free-draining)
• A clear plastic lid or plastic wrap (to create humidity)
• Labels (for marking varieties)

Planting Seeds

1. Fill your seed trays or pots with seed starting mix, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
2. Moisten the mix thoroughly but avoid waterlogging it.
3. Sow seeds on top of the mix, as they require light for germination. Cover them with a thin layer of the mix or simply press them lightly into the soil.
4. Cover the trays with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain humidity until germination occurs, which typically takes 14 to 21 days at temperatures between 70°F and 75°F (21°C – 24°C).

Providing Light

Once your seedlings emerge, remove the cover and place them under grow lights or in a south-facing window that receives plenty of sunlight for at least 12 hours a day.

Transplanting Seedlings

After about 5 to 7 weeks, when seedlings have developed several true leaves and are approximately 4 to 6 inches tall, it’s time to transplant them outdoors. Before you do so, harden off your seedlings:

Hardening Off

1. Place your seedlings outside for a couple of hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure over one to two weeks.
2. Start with partial shade and slowly introduce them to direct sunlight.

Timing for Transplanting

Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). In Colorado, this often falls between late May and early June.

Selecting the Right Location

Celery prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Here are some tips for selecting an ideal location:

Sunlight Requirements

Choose a spot that receives full sun for at least six hours daily. Morning sun is preferable as it helps dry dew off plants quickly, reducing disease risks.

Soil Preparation

1. Test your soil pH; celery prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 – 7.0).
2. Improve soil drainage and fertility by incorporating organic compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Planting Celery Outdoors

When planting your celery seedlings outdoors:

1. Space plants about 12 inches apart in rows that are at least 24 inches apart.
2. Dig holes large enough for seedlings; gently remove each seedling from its container while minimizing root disturbance.
3. Place seedlings in their holes up to their first set of true leaves and backfill with soil.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering Requirements

Celery is a water-loving plant that requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season:

• Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the top few inches of soil remain moist but not waterlogged.
• Mulching around plants with straw or wood chips can help retain moisture while suppressing weeds.

In Colorado’s arid climate, using drip irrigation systems can be particularly effective in delivering consistent moisture directly to the roots without wetting foliage.

Fertilizing Celery

Celery is also a heavy feeder, so proper fertilization is key:

1. Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil at planting time.
2. Mid-Season Boost: Apply additional fertilizer every four weeks using a liquid fertilizer or granular slow-release option as plants grow.
3. Monitor plant health; if leaves appear pale green or yellowish, it may indicate nitrogen deficiency.

Pest and Disease Management

While celery can be susceptible to pests like aphids, cutworms, and slugs as well as diseases such as blight and root rot, there are several methods you can use for prevention:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs by planting companion flowers such as marigolds.
• Use row covers in early spring to protect young plants from pests.

Disease Prevention

• Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Ensure proper spacing between plants for good air circulation.

Harvesting Celery

Celery typically reaches maturity around 120 days after transplanting, depending on variety and growing conditions:

1. Check plants regularly; stalks should be firm and crisp but still tender.
2. Harvest individual stalks by cutting them off near the base rather than pulling out the entire plant.
3. For those looking for baby celery stalks, you can start harvesting about eight weeks after transplanting when they reach about one inch in diameter.

Storing Celery

Freshly harvested celery is best used promptly but can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag for up to two weeks.

Conclusion

Growing celery in Colorado may present certain challenges due to its climate; however, by carefully selecting varieties suited for local conditions and following sound gardening practices—from starting seeds indoors to managing pests—you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this crunchy vegetable. With patience and attention to detail, your efforts will reward you with fresh celery that’s far superior in flavor compared to store-bought options—perfect for snacks, salads, or adding crunch to your favorite dishes!