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.
What the section contains
Tordylium
Tordylium
8 items
Tordylium-leaved coriander
Coriandrum tordylioides
Torilis africana
Torilis africana
Torilis elongata
Torilis elongata
Torilis gaillardotii
Torilis gaillardotii
Torilis leptophylla
Torilis leptophylla
Torilis scabra
Torilis scabra
Torilis syriaca
Torilis syriaca
Torilis tenella
Torilis tenella
Torilis trichosperma
Torilis trichosperma
Torilis ucranica
Torilis ucranica
Trachydium
Trachydium
1 item
Trepocarpus
Trepocarpus
1 item
Trigonosciadium
Trigonosciadium
1 item
Trinia
Trinia
5 items
Trochiscanthes
Trochiscanthes
1 item
Tubular water-dropwort
Oenanthe fistulosa
Turgenia
Turgenia
2 items
Turgeniopsis
Turgeniopsis
1 item
Venetian peucedanum
Peucedanum venetum
Vesper
Vesper
4 items
Villars' chervil
Chaerophyllum villarsii
Water dropwort
Oenanthe prolifera
Water hemlock
Cicuta
4 items
Water parsnip
Sium
5 items
Whorled caraway
Carum verticillatum
Wild angelica
Angelica sylvestris
Woolly Angelica
Angelica tomentosa
Woolly-headed eryngo
Eryngium eriophorum
Xanthogalum
Xanthogalum
1 item
Xanthosia
Xanthosia
1 item
Xatardia
Xatardia
1 item
Yabea
Yabea
1 item
Yellow Pimpinella
Pimpinella lutea
Zizia
Zizia W. D. J. Koch
1 item
Zizia
Zizia
3 items
Zosima
Zosima
1 item
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.