Celery is a vegetable that requires very little care. It grows quickly and can be harvested in only 6 months! However, celery does require fertilization to remain healthy and produce well. The following article will provide you with the ultimate guide for how to fertilize your celery plants. We’ll cover when and how often to fertilize them, what type of fertilizer works best, ways to choose the right one for you, and more!
What is Celery?
Celery is a plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is primarily grown as an annual, but it can also be treated as perennial or biennial depending on its variety and where you live. The most common varieties are Pascal celery (Apium graveolens var dulce) which has sweet stalks with thin skin, Adventure celery (var rubrum), Imperator/Imperial celeriac (Apium tuberosum var rapacious) which have edible root bulbs similar in appearance to small turnips, Hamburg parsley celeriac (Apotomis fritillaria).
What does Celery need to grow best?
Celery is a very versatile vegetable that can be used in many dishes. It is best to grow celery in well-draining soil with lots of organic matter, so it doesn’t get too soggy or dry out completely between watering sessions. Celery does require quite a bit of water during the heat of summer when grown outdoors but they also need protection from strong winds which can make them more susceptible to disease and will cause their stalks to break easily if not given support by stakes or other supports such as cages. If you are growing celery indoors then it should have fairly cool conditions close to 15 C (59 F), be shielded from direct sunlight for at least six hours per day, and be watered regularly throughout its growth.
Best fertilizer for Celery
There are many fertilizers to choose from and they each take different approaches when it comes to feeding. Some fertilize every month, some provide a one-time dose of nutrients and others can be put in the soil or added as a top dressing before planting seedlings.
The best fertilizer for celery is NPK 20-20-20. It should be applied at a rate of
One tablespoon per gallon of water and drenched the soil around the celery plants.
Celery is not a heavy feeder so you don’t have to fertilize as often as other vegetables, but it’s still important to give it some nutrients throughout its growth cycle. Fertilizing celery every two weeks with an organic fertilizer will keep it healthy and productive.
You can also side-dress your celery plants with compost or manure every four to six weeks during the growing season for an added boost of nutrients. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially if your soil is already rich in organic matter.
When to fertilize Celery
There are two times during the year when you should fertilize celery: early spring and late summer. Celery planted in the early spring will benefit from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, while those planted in late summer will need phosphorus to help them form good heads.
What are the risks of not fertilizing your Celery plants?
The risks of not fertilizing your Celery plants are that they will be smaller than they could be, and they may not taste as good as they could. Fertilizing your plants helps them to grow bigger and stronger, and gives them a better flavor. Make sure you fertilize your plants regularly for the best results!