Overview
Celeri graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p., commonly known as celery, is a green biennial plant species that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is extensively cultivated worldwide and is a common ingredient in various cuisines. Aside from its culinary uses, celery has been used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have various health benefits.
Origin
Celery is believed to have originated from Mediterranean regions like Egypt and Greece and has been consumed for over 3,000 years. Initially, it was used as a medicinal herb and was considered a symbol of victory by the ancient Greeks. It later spread to other regions like Europe and Asia and eventually to the Americas.
Common Names
Celery is known by different names in different regions such as 'Apium graveolens' in the scientific community, 'Sellerie' in French, 'Selleriesalat' in German, 'Kintsai' in Japanese, 'Kereviz' in Turkish, and 'Ajmoda' in Ayurveda.
Uses
Celery has numerous culinary uses, including as a fresh snack, added to soups and stews, used in salads, and as a seasoning or garnish. Additionally, it has been used for medicinal purposes like reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and controlling blood pressure. Celery oil, which is extracted from the seeds, is used in perfumes, soaps, and lotions.
General Appearance
Celery is a green, biennial plant that grows to a height of 12-24 inches. It has long, fibrous, and segmented stalks that are crunchy and juicy. The leaves are light green and feathery, and the plant produces small white or yellow flowers and tiny seeds. Celery prefers moist and well-drained soil and requires plenty of water for growth.
Light Requirements
Celeri graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p. requires full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day to grow optimally. The plant needs adequate amounts of light to perform processes such as photosynthesis and growth. Insufficient light can cause the plant's stems to elongate and leaves to become faint.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Celeri graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p. is between 15°C to 21°C. However, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 30°C, though growth becomes slow outside its ideal temperature range. Frost can damage the plant's leaves, so it is important to protect it from extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining and rich soil with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 6.8. Celeri graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p. prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should be loose and fertile, with good water-retaining capacity, but not water-logged. The plant's root system is shallow, so it is important to not disturb the top-layer of soil around it during cultivation.
Cultivation Methods
Celeri graveolens, commonly known as celery, is a cool-weather crop that grows best in temperatures of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a pH level of 6.0-6.5. The seeds can be started indoors and transplanted to the garden when the temperature reaches at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering Needs
Celery requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not flooded. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, but more during dry spells. Do not let the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to poor root development and stunted growth.
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting time, and then again three to four weeks after transplanting. You can also use a liquid fertilizer every week to encourage healthy growth. Celery requires a lot of nutrients, so regular fertilization is essential for optimum growth.
Pruning
Celery plants do not require much pruning, but stalks that are thin or damaged can be removed with a sharp knife. This will help the plant direct its energy towards growing healthier stalks. Additionally, removing any flower heads that appear can help the plant focus on developing its roots and foliage.
Propagation of Celeri Graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p.
Celeri graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p., also known as celery, is a biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is widely cultivated as a vegetable and spice due to its characteristic flavor. Propagation of celery can be done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating celery is through seeds. Celery seeds are small and delicate, and they require specific conditions to germinate successfully. The seeds should be sowed shallowly in a well-prepared seedbed that has been fertilized with compost or manure. It is essential to keep the soil moist and provide adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases. Once the seedlings have grown up to 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Root Division
Another way to propagate celery is by root division. This method involves separating the plant's roots from the existing plant and replanting them. It is usually done during the plant's dormant stage and requires some care to avoid damage to the roots. The selected plant must have a healthy root system that can support the new growth. Once the roots have been separated, they can be planted in a well-prepared soil bed and watered adequately.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating celery. For this, the stem or leaf blade of the plant is cut and planted in favorable conditions. The cutting should be about 3-4 inches long and must contain a minimum of two nodes. The cutting should be planted in well-draining, fertile soil and kept moist while roots develop.
In summary, celery can be propagated by seeds, root division, and cutting propagation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Seed propagation is the most common and reliable, while root division and cutting propagation require more care but can produce faster results.
Disease Management
Celeri graveolens (L.) Britt. p.p., or celery, can be susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens, and symptoms include small, circular spots on the leaves that may be red, brown, purple, or yellow. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected plant debris and provide adequate air circulation and drainage. Fungicidal sprays may also be used.
- Early blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots with concentric rings on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to dry and wither. Early blight can be managed by removing infected plant debris, rotating crops, and using fungicidal sprays.
- Septoria leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungus and leads to brown or black spots with a yellow halo on the leaves and stems. To manage septoria leaf spot, it is important to remove infected plant debris and practice good irrigation and fertilization practices. Fungicidal sprays may also be used.
Pest Management
Celery can also be susceptible to pest infestations, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
- Celery leaf tier: This pest is the larval form of a moth and feeds on the leaves of the celery plant, sometimes causing severe damage. To manage celery leaf tier, it is important to remove infected plant debris and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the juice out of the leaves, causing yellowing and curling. Spider mites can be managed by using a strong stream of water to wash the leaves, introducing natural predators, such as predatory mites, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
