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Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment
UMass Extension Vegetable Program
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Celery

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celery

Celery is a long-season crop that grows best under cool conditions (60°F to 75°F ) with an ample and uniform supply of water.  Although this crop will withstand light frosts, bolting (premature seeding) will occur if temperatures below 40°F persist over a period of 10 to 14 days.  Celery should be seeded 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting in the field.  Keep greenhouse temperatures above 55°F to prevent bolting and ensure continuous development.

A deep, loamy and fertile soil with an abundance of available moisture is ideal for celery.  Irrigation is necessary on sandy soils.  Even though most of the celery root system is within top 6" of soil, many roots penetrate as deep as 2 feet; thus, heavy clay soils are unsuitable.

For Current information on production methods (including varieties, spacing, seeding, and fertility), weed, disease, and insect management, please visit the New England Vegetable Management Guide website.

Major diseases that affect this crop:

  • Cucumber Mosaic Virus
  • Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Major insect pests that affect this crop:

  • Aphid, Green Peach
  • Cabbage Looper
  • Imported Cabbageworm
  • Tarnished Plant Bug
  • Two-Spotted Spider Mite
Last Updated: January 14, 2013

The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment and UMass Extension are equal opportunity providers and employers, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Contact your local Extension office for information on disability accommodations. Contact the State Center Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 413-545-4800 or see ag.umass.edu/civil-rights-information.

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Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

 

Stockbridge Hall,
80 Campus Center Way
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9246
Phone: (413) 545-4800
Fax: (413) 545-6555
ag [at] cns [dot] umass [dot] edu (ag[at]cns[dot]umass[dot]edu)

 

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