Utah 52-70 Celery Seeds For Planting (Apium graveolens)

Description

Grow a garden filled with the refreshing scent of Celery 52-70, from freshly harvested Apium graveolens seeds. Utah 52-70 is a delicious variety of Celery, which produces 12 inch stalks. The hearts are compact, and grow in an upright habit, forming up to 30 inch tall plants. Use freshly cut celery in many culinary dishes, including pot pies, stir fry, salads & soups and more. The crops establish within a single growing season, producing complete crops within 100 days. If the crowns are kept in the ground, the plants will return the following season to produce seeds.

Utah 52-70, like all celery, is a biennial crop. As explained above, the plants will grow for a 2 seasons, producing delicious, edible stalks. The plants can be allowed to "bolt," or go to seed, after the first winter. By covering the crown of the plant with mulch, or protecting it from harsh winter frosts, your Celery plant will return the next year to produce small, white flowers. Seeds can then be collected for resowing the following season.

Sowing The Seed

Celery seeds can be started indoors, 10 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost. The seeds will require direct sunlight to germinate properly, so it is recommended that you sow the seeds directly to the surface of the soil, softly pushing them into place. Transplant or direct sow outdoors, when temperatures are mildly cool.

Growing Conditions

Celery is a cool weather crop, so it will prefer temperatures of roughly 60F for best results. You should plant in an area of full sunlight, and also provide a soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep in mind that the sowing medium should be well drained. To improve your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily until germination has occurred.

Germination & Growth

Celery seeds will typically germinate within as little as 5 to 7 days, but can sometimes take up to 14 days. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 30 inches tall, producing 12 inch, edible stalks. The plants can be spaced about 6 to 10 inches apart from one another, in rows that are spaced roughly 24 to 36 inches apart. The plants should not be kept in temperatures under 55F for more than a week, as this can cause premature bolting.

Harvesting Utah 52-70 Celery

To harvest your Utah 52-70 Celery crops, simply cut the celery 1 to 2 inches from the ground. It's best to wait the full 90 to 100 days before harvesting, for the best flavor. Leaving behind the crown will allow new plant life to grow in the second year. This is when the flowers will appear, producing several hundred seeds. Store in the fridge, or eat fresh.