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Reference · Crops

Apiaceae

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a key vegetable crop belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is commercially cultivated in three main varieties: leaf, stalk (celery), and celeriac (root celery). Each type exhibits unique structural characteristics and specific growth requirements that agronomists must consider to achieve optimal yields.

Main sections

Osmorhiza5 Parsley4 Ostericum3 Pleurospermum3 Prangos3 Parsley2 Physospermum2 Ormosciadium1 Palimbia1 Parsnip1 Peucedanum1 Phlojodicarpus1 Poison hemlock1 Polyzygus1 Prionosciadium1 Psammogeton1 Pterygopleurum1 Ptychotis1 Ridolfia1
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What the section contains

Orlaya grandiflora Orlaya daucorlaya Orlaya kochii Orlaya kochii Ormosciadium Ormosciadium 1 item Osmorhiza Osmorhiza 5 items Ostericum Ostericum 3 items Pacific water dropwort Oenanthe sarmentosa Palimbia Palimbia 1 item Parsley Petroselinum 4 items Parsley Sison 2 items Parsnip Pastinaca 1 item Parsnip-leaved hogweed Heracleum pastinacifolium Pastinaca kochii Pastinaca kochii Peregrine pimpinella Pimpinella peregrina Persian hogweed Heracleum persicum Peucedanifolia water dropwort Oenanthe peucedanifolia Peucedanum Peucedanum 1 item Peucedanum aegopodioides Peucedanum aegopodioides Peucedanum arenarium Peucedanum arenarium Peucedanum coriaceum Peucedanum coriaceum Peucedanum depauperatum Peucedanum depauperatum Peucedanum hispanicum Peucedanum hispanicum Peucedanum junceum Peucedanum junceum Peucedanum lancifolium Peucedanum lancifolium Peucedanum latifolium Peucedanum latifolium Peucedanum paniculatum Peucedanum paniculatum Peucedanum ruthenicum Peucedanum ruthenicum Peucedanum schottii Peucedanum schottii Peucedanum tauricum Peucedanum tauricum Peucedanum tenuifolium Peucedanum tenuifolium Peucedanum verticillare Peucedanum verticillare Peucedanum zenkeri Peucedanum zenkeri Phlojodicarpus Phlojodicarpus 1 item Physospermum Physospermum 2 items Pignut Oenanthe pimpinelloides Pimpinella corymbosa Pimpinella corymbosa Pimpinella eriocarpa Pimpinella eriocarpa Pimpinella olivieri Pimpinella olivieri Pimpinella puberula Pimpinella puberula Pimpinella siifolia Pimpinella siifolia Pimpinella titanophila Pimpinella titanophila Pimpinella tragium Pimpinella tragium Pimpinella tripartita Pimpinella tripartita Pimpinella villosa Pimpinella villosa Pink hogweed Heracleum roseum Pleurospermum Pleurospermum 3 items Poison hemlock Conium 1 item Polyzygus Polyzygus 1 item Prangos Prangos 3 items Prescott's Chervil Chaerophyllum prescottii Prionosciadium Prionosciadium 1 item Psammogeton Psammogeton 1 item Pterygopleurum Pterygopleurum 1 item Ptilimnium Ptilimnium Ptychotis Ptychotis 1 item Rambo Sea Holly Eryngium ramboanum Rattlesnake Master Eryngium aquaticum Razul's Angelica Angelica razulii Ridolfia Ridolfia 1 item River water-dropwort Oenanthe fluviatilis Rock hare's ear Bupleurum petraeum

Apiaceae

The plant originates from the Mediterranean region, where it was historically used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Today, it is grown globally in regions with cool to moderate climates. Celery requires a consistent supply of moisture and is particularly sensitive to extreme heat, which can lead to rapid bolting and reduced quality of the harvested produce.

Botanically, celery is a biennial plant. In its first year, it develops a rosette of leaves and either a fleshy taproot or thick, succulent leaf stalks. For commercial production, it thrives in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soils with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Proper soil preparation, including organic matter enrichment, is essential for healthy root development.

The agronomic cycle of celery is characterized by a long growing season, necessitating the use of transplants grown in nurseries. Weed management is critical, as the crop has a slow early growth rate and cannot compete effectively with aggressive weeds. Regular irrigation and split-application fertilization are standard practices to ensure nutrient uptake throughout the vegetative phase.

  • Soil testing for optimal nutrient management.
  • Application of nitrogen during the vegetative growth stage.
  • Consistent soil moisture to prevent bitter taste and pithiness.
  • Crop rotation to reduce soil-borne disease pressure.

Celery is a highly versatile crop used in food processing, retail, and pharmaceutical applications. Growers face challenges from fungal diseases such as Septoria blight and various bacterial rots, as well as pests like aphids and celery leaf miners. Integrated pest management strategies, including resistant cultivars and proper sanitation, are vital for a profitable harvest.