How to Grow Celery in Minnesota

Growing celery in Minnesota can be a rewarding endeavor for any home gardener. Known for its crisp texture and distinctive flavor, celery is not only a staple in salads and soups but also a nutritious addition to any diet. However, growing celery requires careful planning and consideration of the local climate. This article will guide you through the process of successfully cultivating celery in the unique Minnesota environment.

Understanding Celery Growth Requirements

Before diving into the planting process, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements for growing celery. Celery (Apium graveolens) is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It requires a long growing season—typically around 130 to 140 days from seed to harvest—which poses a challenge in areas like Minnesota with short summers.

Soil Requirements

Celery prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH level for growing celery is between 6.0 and 7.0. To prepare your soil:

1. Test Your Soil: Use a soil testing kit to determine pH levels and nutrient content.
2. Amend as Needed: If necessary, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to increase fertility and improve drainage.
3. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to aerate it and break up compacted layers.

Sunlight Needs

Celery requires full sun, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In Minnesota’s northern climate, this is particularly important during the shorter days of late spring and summer.

Starting Celery Seeds Indoors

Due to Minnesota’s short growing season, starting celery seeds indoors is highly recommended. Seeds should be sown about 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost date (typically around mid-April).

1. Seed Selection: Choose a variety suited for cooler climates, such as ‘Utah’, ‘Golden Self-Blanching’, or ‘Pascal’.
2. Containers: Use seed starting trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
3. Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds about a quarter-inch deep, as they require light for proper germination.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
5. Temperature: Maintain a temperature of about 70°F for optimal germination.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once your seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves (around 4-6 weeks after sowing), it’s time to prepare them for transplanting outdoors.

1. Hardening Off: Gradually acclimatize your seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week by placing them outside for increasing periods.
2. Timing: Transplant your seedlings after the last frost date when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F.

Planting Celery Outdoors

Choosing the Right Location

Select a location that receives full sun and has good air circulation but is protected from strong winds, which can damage delicate plants.

Planting Guidelines

1. Spacing: Space seedlings about 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
2. Depth: Place seedlings in the ground at the same depth they were growing in their containers.
3. Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting to settle the soil around the roots.

Watering and Fertilizing Celery

Celery has high water content and requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season.

Watering Techniques

1. Frequency: Water deeply once or twice per week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Soil Moisture: Regularly check soil moisture levels; celery should never dry out completely.

Fertilization

Celery is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization:

1. Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil before planting.
2. Side Dressing: Apply additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.

Pest Management

Celery can be susceptible to various pests such as aphids, cutworms, and leafhoppers. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices can be effective:

1. Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of pests on your plants.
2. Companion Planting: Grow herbs like basil or marigolds nearby to deter pests naturally.
3. Organic Solutions: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.

Harvesting Celery

Celery typically matures about 130-140 days after planting, depending on the variety you choose.

1. Timing: Harvest when stalks are at least 8 inches tall but before they start to flower.
2. Method: Cut stalks at ground level using a sharp knife; you can take individual stalks as needed or harvest the entire plant at once.
3. Storage: Store harvested celery in a cool place or refrigerator wrapped loosely in plastic; it can last up to two weeks under proper conditions.

Challenges of Growing Celery in Minnesota

While growing celery in Minnesota may seem challenging due to its longer growing season requirements, several strategies can help overcome these obstacles:

1. Choosing Early Varieties: Opt for faster-maturing varieties if your growing season is particularly short.
2. Using Row Covers: Utilize row covers during early spring frosts to protect tender plants while retaining heat.
3. Succession Planting: To extend your harvest window, consider planting new seedlings every few weeks until mid-summer.

Conclusion

Growing celery in Minnesota is an achievable goal with proper planning and care. By starting seeds indoors, providing adequate moisture, ensuring good nutrition, and monitoring for pests, gardeners can enjoy fresh, homegrown celery throughout the summer months and into fall.

With perseverance and attention to detail, you’ll find that cultivating this versatile vegetable not only enriches your meals but also enhances your gardening experience in Minnesota’s unique climate!