About
Apium graveolens is the wild ancestor of cultivated celery and celeriac. This biennial plant thrives in moist environments and can withstand saline conditions. During its first year, it produces a rosette of vibrant green, fragrant leaves. In its second year, it flowers, showcasing clusters of tiny white blossoms that eventually develop into light brown seeds. Both the leaves and seeds are edible and can be used in moderation to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
About the genus
Apium includes herbaceous plants that can be classified as annual, biennial, or perennial. The foliage typically consists of leaves that are either divided into three leaflets or pinnately arranged. During the summer months, small white flowers appear, grouped in umbels.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Fragrance
- Foliage
- Toxicity
- Harmful to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in reliably moist soil in full sun or light shade. See celery cultivation for more advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails and and celery leaf miner
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to celery leaf spot