Herb

• Crops in : Harvest stems and leaves as and when required.

Description

(Apium graveolens). Immature celery plants produce a clump of delicious, slender stems and leaves for cutting. Cutting Celery should be cut regularly to promote fresh growth, for use in summer salads and garnishes, or in soups and stews during the winter. Height: 20cm (8 inches).

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds April to June outdoors, or December-June under glass. Sow thinly on the surface of good free-draining seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at 18-20C (64-68F) until germination which can take up to 21 days. Sow monthly for a long cutting period on the windowsill.

Seeds can also be sown outdoors. 13mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Outdoor sowings may take up to 28 days to germinate. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, prick out seedlings individually into 5cm (2in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting out when risk of frost has passed. A few plants can be grown on a windowsill for regular picking of fresh leaves.

Aftercare

Will grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Outdoor plants are winter hardy.