Overview
Apium graveolens L., commonly known as celery, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for its medicinal and culinary properties for thousands of years.
Appearance
The celery plant has long, fibrous, and cylindrical stalks that grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are pinnate and bright green, with a glossy texture and serrated edges. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and brown.
Common Names
Celery is the most common name for Apium graveolens L. However, depending on the variety and the region it is grown in, it can also be called stalk celery, leaf celery, pascal celery, and celeriac.
Uses
Celery is widely used in cooking, both as a flavoring agent and as a main ingredient in dishes like soups, stews, and salads. It is also eaten raw as a snack, often with peanut butter or cream cheese. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Its medicinal properties include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic effects. Celery seed oil is commonly used in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetic products for its scent and skin-soothing properties.
Light Requirements
Apium graveolens L. requires full sun exposure to grow healthy and well. A minimum of six hours of sunlight each day is necessary for the growth and development of celery plants. Natural sunlight is preferred, but if growing celery indoors, grow lights can be used to supplement sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Apium graveolens L. is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants thrive in cooler temperatures, and exposure to hot or dry conditions may lead to decreased growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be rich in nutrients, and its pH level must be between 5.8 to 6.8. A well-draining soil is essential because celery prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The best type of soil for growing Apium graveolens L. is a loamy soil. Loamy soil has a mixture of sand, silt, and clay and is rich in nutrients and organic matter.
Cultivation Methods for Apium graveolens L.
Apium graveolens L., commonly known as celery, can be cultivated through various techniques depending on the available space and resources. It can be grown in pots or in open fields. For outdoor cultivation, the best time to plant celery is in early spring when the soil is still moist, with a temperature range of 15-20 °C. On the other hand, celery can be grown year-round through hydroponic techniques which allow for faster growth and higher yields.
Watering Needs for Apium graveolens L.
Celery requires consistent moisture in the soil, but can be easily damaged by overwatering. The plant should be watered evenly and frequently, especially during hot, dry weather. On average, celery requires approximately 2 cm of water per week. Irrigation should prioritize the plant's roots and avoid getting the leaves too wet, as this can encourage disease development.
Fertilization of Apium graveolens L.
Celery is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth. For the best results, it is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during planting. Additionally, side-dressing with nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be performed once or twice during the growing season to enhance the plant's growth and stem development.
Pruning of Apium graveolens L.
Pruning celery helps to promote healthy growth, airflow, and prevents overcrowding. The plant's leaves and stems can be harvested as it grows, and the outer stalks can be removed to encourage the plant's central growth. When the plant is mature enough to harvest, the entire stalk can be cut just below the soil level. Removal of flower stalks is also recommended, as it can impact the plant's flavor and shelf life.
Propagation of Apium graveolens L.
Apium graveolens L., commonly known as celery, is propagated using several methods. The most common methods of propagation include seeding, stem cuttings, and tissue culture.
Seeding
Seeding is the most common method of propagating Apium graveolens L., particularly for commercial production. Seeds are sown directly into the ground or indoors in seed trays. Seeds can be sown in early spring and summer. Once the seeds have germinated and are about 2 inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Apium graveolens L. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and rooting it in water or soil. The cutting should be at least 4 inches long and should be taken from a healthy plant. The cutting should be rooted in a pot filled with moist soil and should be kept in a warm, humid location until it has established roots.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagating Apium graveolens L. This method involves taking a small piece of plant tissue and placing it in a sterile nutrient medium. The tissue will then develop into a new plant. Tissue culture is an efficient method of propagation as it produces large numbers of identical plants. However, tissue culture requires advanced equipment and expertise, making it less accessible for home gardeners.
Disease Management
Apium graveolens L., commonly known as celery, is vulnerable to a number of diseases. The following are the most common diseases that affect celery:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots to appear on the leaves. Prune infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply fungicides for severe cases.
- Early Blight: This is a fungal disease that produces brown spots with concentric rings on the leaves. Crop rotation, pruning, and proper irrigation can reduce the spread. Use fungicides during severe outbreaks.
- Bacterial Soft Rot: This bacterial disease causes the stems and roots to become soft and mushy. Remove and burn infected plants and avoid overwatering.
- Blackheart: This is a physiological disorder that causes the center of the celery to turn brown or black. Maintain consistent watering and avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer.
Pest Management
Celery is also prone to attack by various pests. Some common pests that affect celery are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on plant sap. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate aphids or introduce ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids.
- Celery Leaf-Tier: Larvae of this moth species feed on celery leaves, making them bind together with silken threads. Handpick the worms and spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural, biological insecticide.
- Celery Stalk Borer: The larvae of this moth species bore into the celery stalks, damaging them from the inside out. Remove infected plants and plow under plant debris to avoid re-infestation.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck on plant sap, causing significant damage to the plant's foliage. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign of infestation. Introducing predatory mites is also an effective biological control method.
