Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Utah 52-70 Celery is a vigorous and sturdy classic celery variety that is great for those with short seasons or limited space. Although it takes over 100 days for this plant to reach maturity, once established you can reap multiple harvests from one plant due to its cut-and-come-again nature. This celery variety is disease resistant and slow to bolt and is relatively low maintenance once established. Try using these crisp and crunch stalks fresh, cooked, or juiced for a delicious and fresh flavor.
NAME: Celery (Apium graveolens)
VARIETY: Utah 52-70
DAYS TO MATURITY: 100 – 110 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 2 – 10
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Fertile, loam soil with a pH 5.8 – 6.8
PLANT HEIGHT: 16 – 30 inches
SPACING: 8 – 12 inches apart
TEMP: 55 – 75ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks before you last local spring frost
Using a cell tray, seed 3 seeds per cell in seed starting soil mix
Water in well and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture and keep the soil moist and ambient environment warm for quick germination
Germination will occur in 10 to 13 days
Once seedlings emerge, grow 3 inches beneath grow lights, on 12 hours off 12 hours
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin to one seedling per cell
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings for several days. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process)
When seedlings are 4 inches tall, transplant to your prepared beds spaced 8 inches apart in rows that are 16 inches apart
Sow seeds outdoors after all threat of frost has past and soil temps are above 60ºF
Plant a few seeds every 2 inches in rows spaced 16 inches in your prepared beds
Water in well and keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs in 12 to 15 days
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin to one seedling every 8 inches
Prepare a bed located in full sun by removing any rocks or debris and adding ample compost and organic matter
Pile up soil around the base of your plant to protect from frost and maintain an ideal temperature for your celery
Utah 52-70 Celery is typically ready for harvest 120-140 days after transplanting or 150-170 days after direct sowing.
You can begin harvesting early on in the plants life for young tender stalks, but for a classic celery stalk, allow them to reach at least 8 inches tall.
You can harvest the plants whole by cutting them at the base, but harvesting the individual stalks allows the plants to produce for a longer period.
Harvest the entire plant before the first fall frost, as cold temperatures can damage the crop.
Store harvested celery in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or blanch and freeze it for longer-term storage.
