Celery Seeds - Apium graveolens Vegetable Seeds
Apium graveolens • Apiaceae • Native to Mediterranean, Middle East
Grow Celery Seeds, Apium graveolens for fresh home garden harvests. Ideal for kitchen gardens, raised beds, pots, and seasonal planting, with quality seed packs for reliable germination and healthy growth.
Plant Name: Celery Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Celery Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Celery is sensitive to frost as a young transplant and to heat as it matures, so timing your planting window carefully for your specific climate is critical to getting a harvestable crop.
Botanical profile
Meet the Celery - Apium graveolens Vegetable Seeds
Step-by-step planting
Growing celery from seed is a rewarding but deliberate process that benefits from early indoor starting, steady soil moisture, and an honest understanding that celery seed germination can be slow and variable depending on your conditions.
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1
Start Seeds Indoors Early
Sow celery vegetable seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last expected frost date, pressing them lightly onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix without covering them, since they need light to germinate.
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2
Keep Soil Warm and Moist
Maintain a soil temperature between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the germination period, using a heat mat if needed, and mist the surface regularly to prevent it from drying out.
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3
Expect Slow Germination
Celery seed germination typically takes 14 to 21 days under good conditions, though cooler temperatures or inconsistent moisture can extend this window, so do not give up on a tray that looks slow.
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4
Thin and Transplant Seedlings
Once seedlings reach about 2 inches tall and have a set of true leaves, thin them to the strongest plants and transplant into individual cells or small pots to develop a stronger root system before going outdoors.
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5
Harden Off Before Transplanting
About a week before moving seedlings to the garden, set them outdoors in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing exposure to full sun and outdoor temperatures to reduce transplant stress.
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6
Plant in Rich, Moisture-Retentive Soil
Celery grows well in fertile, well-amended garden soil with consistent moisture and a slightly acidic to neutral pH, so work in compost before planting and consider mulching around the base to hold soil moisture through warm spells.
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Water Consistently and Harvest When Ready
Celery needs steady, deep watering throughout the growing season, as uneven moisture leads to tough, stringy stalks, and you can begin harvesting outer stalks once the plant reaches a usable size or cut the whole plant at the base for a full harvest.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Celery Seeds - Apium graveolens Vegetable Seeds
How long does celery take to germinate?
Celery seed germination is notably slower than many vegetables, often taking 14 to 21 days under warm, consistently moist conditions. Soil temperature plays a significant role, and seeds kept below 65 degrees Fahrenheit may take considerably longer or germinate unevenly. Patience and consistent moisture management are key during this stage.
What soil pH does celery prefer?
Celery grows well in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, with slightly acidic conditions often producing the most vigorous plants. If your soil pH is outside this range, a simple soil test can guide whether you need to add lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it. Consistently fertile, well-draining soil matters as much as pH for healthy growth.
Can celery be grown in containers?
Yes, celery can be grown in containers, but it requires a large pot, at least 12 inches deep and wide per plant, to accommodate its root system and moisture needs. Container-grown celery dries out faster than in-ground plants, so you will need to water more frequently, sometimes daily in warm weather. Choose a rich potting mix and place the container where it receives full sun to partial shade.
When should I start celery seeds indoors?
Start celery seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last average frost date to give seedlings enough time to develop before transplanting. In most temperate climates, this means starting in late winter, somewhere around January or February depending on your region. Because celery is a cool season vegetable, you want transplants ready to go into the ground in spring when temperatures are mild but frost risk is past.
How much water does celery need?
Celery is one of the thirstier vegetables in the garden and needs consistently moist soil throughout the growing season. Irregular watering is one of the most common reasons for tough, fibrous, or poorly developed stalks, so aim to water deeply and evenly rather than lightly and frequently. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture between waterings.
Is celery safe for pets?
Celery is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, and is sometimes offered as a low-calorie snack for dogs. That said, you should always consult your veterinarian before intentionally feeding any garden plant to your pet, as individual animals can have sensitivities. This is a general gardening note and not veterinary advice.
How far apart should celery be spaced?
Space celery transplants about 10 to 12 inches apart in rows set roughly 18 to 24 inches apart to give each plant room for air circulation and root development. Crowded plants compete for moisture and nutrients and can be more susceptible to disease in humid conditions. Giving celery adequate spacing also makes it easier to water at the base and monitor for pests.