Expert Tips for How to Grow Celery in Minnesota: The Ultimate Guide

Minnesota, with its famously long winters and short growing season, presents a unique challenge for gardeners seeking to cultivate the crisp, delicious stalks of celery. But fear not, fellow Minnesotan gardeners! With a little know-how and a touch of patience, you can enjoy homegrown celery straight from your garden.

Understanding Celery’s Needs

Celery thrives in cool, moist conditions, making it a suitable crop for Minnesota’s climate. However, it’s crucial to understand that celery requires a long growing season (around 100 days) and consistent moisture to develop its signature flavor and texture. This means careful planning and a few tricks to help it flourish in our northern state.

Choosing the Right Celery Variety

Not all celery varieties are created equal. For Minnesota’s shorter growing season, opt for fast-maturing varieties like:

• ‘Utah’ celery: This variety is known for its quick maturity and excellent flavor.
• ‘Pascal’ celery: ‘Pascal’ is another fast-growing option, prized for its crisp, juicy stalks.
• ‘Emerald’ celery: This variety is known for its resistance to bolting (going to seed prematurely), making it a good choice for Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.

Starting Celery from Seed

While you can purchase celery starts from a nursery, starting your celery from seed offers greater control over the process and allows you to choose the perfect variety for your needs.

1. Start indoors: Begin sowing celery seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Use a seed starting mix and sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide a bright, indirect light source.

2. Transplanting outdoors: Once your seedlings have developed several true leaves (usually 4-6 weeks), it’s time to transplant them outdoors. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure for optimal growth.

3. Harden off your seedlings: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to the outdoor conditions by bringing them outside for increasing periods of time over a week or two. This process, known as hardening off, helps them adjust to the sun, wind, and temperature changes.

Planting and Maintaining Your Celery

1. Spacing: Plant your celery seedlings 6-8 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.

2. Watering: Celery requires consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to stunted growth and bitterness.

3. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your celery plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves.

4. Blanching: For a sweeter, more tender celery, you can blanch the stalks. This involves covering the stalks with cardboard or other light-blocking material for about 2 weeks before harvesting. This process promotes the growth of tender, white stalks.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Celery can be susceptible to pests like aphids, leaf miners, and celery fly. To prevent these issues:

• Monitor your plants regularly: Look for signs of pests and diseases, and take action immediately if necessary.
• Use organic pest control methods: Consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
• Rotate crops: Rotate your celery with other vegetables to break the disease cycle and reduce pest populations.

Harvesting Your Celery

Celery is ready for harvest when the stalks are firm and full-sized. Harvest individual stalks as needed, or cut the entire plant at the base.

Tips for Harvesting:

• Harvest in the morning: Early morning harvesting ensures the celery is at its freshest and most flavorful.
• Cut stalks at the base: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stalks cleanly.
• Store properly: Store harvested celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Celery Success in the North: A Final Word

Growing celery in Minnesota requires a bit of extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By choosing the right variety, starting from seed, and providing consistent care, you can enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavor of homegrown celery even in our challenging climate.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. When is the best time to plant celery in Minnesota?

The best time to plant celery in Minnesota is after the last frost date, typically in late May or early June. You can start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date to get a jump start on the growing season.

2. How much sunlight does celery need?

Celery prefers full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) but can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot climates.

3. What are some common problems that celery growers in Minnesota face?

Common problems include:

• Bolting: Celery can bolt (go to seed prematurely) in hot weather. To prevent this, choose a variety that is known for its resistance to bolting.
• Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, and celery fly are common pests that can damage celery plants. Use organic pest control methods to keep them at bay.
• Diseases: Celery is susceptible to diseases like celery blight and early blight. Rotate crops and practice good sanitation to prevent these diseases.

4. How can I make my celery taste better?

To enhance the flavor of your celery, make sure to:

• Water consistently: Celery needs consistent moisture to develop its flavor.
• Blanch the stalks: Blanching helps to develop sweeter, more tender stalks.
• Harvest at the right time: Harvest celery when the stalks are firm and full-sized for the best flavor.

5. Can I grow celery in containers in Minnesota?

Yes, you can grow celery in containers in Minnesota. Choose a large container (at least 12 inches deep) and use a good quality potting mix. Make sure to water regularly and fertilize as needed.