How to Grow Celery in Oregon

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a popular vegetable known for its crisp texture and refreshing taste. Growing celery can be a rewarding endeavor, particularly in Oregon, where the climate offers unique advantages for this versatile plant. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to grow celery successfully in Oregon, covering everything from soil preparation and planting to pest management and harvesting.

Understanding Celery’s Growing Requirements

Before diving into the specifics of growing celery in Oregon, it’s essential to understand its growing requirements. Celery thrives in cool weather and requires a long growing season. The optimal temperature range for growing celery is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C – 21°C). This makes the spring and fall seasons in Oregon ideal for cultivating celery.

Soil Preparation

Celery prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Here are the steps to prepare your soil:

Choose the Right Location: Select a site that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. Celery can tolerate partial shade, but full sun will produce the best yields.
Test Your Soil: Testing your soil will help you understand its nutrient composition and pH level. You can purchase a soil test kit or send samples to a local extension office for analysis.
Amend the Soil: Based on the results of your soil test, amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will enhance the soil structure, improve drainage, and provide essential nutrients.
Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm) to ensure good aeration and root penetration.

Varieties of Celery

When selecting celery varieties suitable for Oregon’s climate, consider these options:

Tall Utah: A popular variety known for its tall stalks and excellent flavor.
Golden Self-Blanching: This variety has a more delicate flavor and is easier to grow as it requires less blanching.
Pascal Celery: A traditional variety that performs well in cooler climates.

Starting Celery Seeds Indoors

For those who want an early start, celery seeds can be sown indoors approximately 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost date, which typically falls between mid-April and late May in most parts of Oregon.

Seedling Trays: Use seedling trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
Sowing: Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil as they require light to germinate; cover lightly with a thin layer of soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; use a spray bottle for gentle watering.
Light Requirements: Place trays under grow lights or in sunny windows to ensure adequate light for germination (approximately 12-16 hours per day).

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

Once seedlings are about three inches tall and have developed several true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.

Timing: Wait until soil temperatures have reached at least 50°F (10°C) before transplanting.
Spacing: Space seedlings about 6–8 inches apart in rows that are 24-30 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.
Watering After Transplanting: Water thoroughly after transplanting to help reduce transplant shock.

Caring for Your Celery Plants

Once your celery is planted in the garden, ongoing care is essential for healthy growth.

Watering

Celery has high water content—up to 95%—so it requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall and specific site conditions.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain stable soil temperatures.

Fertilization

Celery is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Here’s how to manage fertilization effectively:

Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil at planting time.
Side Dressing: Apply additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like fish emulsion or blood meal) every few weeks during the growing season as plants begin to grow more vigorously.

Pest Management

Being vigilant about pests is crucial when growing celery:

Common Pests: Watch out for aphids, cabbage loopers, and cutworms.
Organic Control Methods: Hand-picking pests or using insecticidal soap can help manage infestations without harsh chemicals.
Trap Crops: Planting other crops nearby that attract pests can sometimes divert them away from your celery.

Disease Management

Celery is susceptible to various diseases such as blight and leaf spot, especially in humid conditions:

Rotation: Practice crop rotation by planting celery in different locations each year to reduce disease buildup in the soil.
Good Hygiene: Clean up any fallen debris or infected plants promptly to minimize disease spread.

Harvesting Celery

Celery takes approximately 90–120 days from planting until harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

When to Harvest: Harvest when stalks reach about 8–10 inches tall with firm texture. They should feel crisp when squeezed.
Cutting Stalks: Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut stalks at the base, leaving some leaves behind for continued growth if desired.
Timing Advantages: Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler for optimal freshness.

Storing Celery

Proper storage will help maintain celery’s crispness after harvest:

Refrigeration: Store harvested celery in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Stay Fresh Longer: Keeping it wrapped with damp paper towels can also help retain moisture.

Conclusion

Growing celery in Oregon presents wonderful opportunities due to its suitable climate conditions during key growth periods. With careful attention to soil preparation, seed starting, watering practices, pest control measures, and timely harvesting techniques, anyone can cultivate delicious homegrown celery that enhances their kitchen creations.

By following these guidelines carefully, you’ll find yourself rewarded with healthy stalks ready for soups, salads, snacks or even juicing! Happy gardening!