Celery seeds are very small and difficult to germinate. Celery is initially grown in greenhouses and nurseries after which they are transplanted. Transplanted celery is planted in double rows on 36 inches to 40 inches beds, with a space of 9 inches apart between plants and the plant rows being 14 inches apart.
A celery is a leafy vegetable grown for its stalk. It is composed of leaf-topped stalks and grows to a height of 12 – 16 inches. The vegetable leaf stalk are consumed raw or cooked.
1) Climate and Soil Requirements for Celery Farming
A relatively cool and humid climatic condition is suitable for growing celery. However, it can also be cultivated in dry conditions as long as it is supplies with regular irrigations.
Moderate and well-distributed rain fall will help with its growth during initial vegetative phase. Celery has a preference for high water holding capacity and friable soil types.
The best soils for celery farming are rich, friable, well-drained soils. They can also be successfully grown in clay soils. Soils where the acidic conditions are above 5.6 in pH value do not favour growth of celery. Hence, it is best to reduce the acidity before growing your celery.
Read also: How To Grow Celery From Stumpย Step By Step
2) Propagation in Celery Farming
Propagation is mainly by seeds. For cultivation of 1 hectare land, about 300 – 450 seeds are required.
3) Land Preparation, Planting Methods in Celery Farming
Plough the land, pulverize and level the topsoil of the field. You can sow celery seeds directly in the field with good irrigation facility or raise seedlings in nursery and then, transplanted in the field.
The seeds of celery are to be down in well prepared beds. For nursery beds, sow the seeds from July – September and also, provide partial shade. Keep the seeds moist for a few days before sowing.
This helps in speeding rate of germination. For one hectare, about 300 – 450 grams of seeds can be required. Cover the seeds slightly. The seedlings emerge after 4 – 8 weeks and are thinned to about 1.2 cm spacing. Transplant the seedlings after about 2 months to a spacing of 45 ร 15 cm or 60 ร 15 cm.
4) Intercultural Operations in Celery Farming
Celery happens to be a long duration crop, hence there is a need for proper weed control operations. Mulching is a great way of controlling the weeds. How lightly regularly and remove lateral shoots.
For effective weed growth control, apply Linnuram at the rate of 15kg/ha. Blanching is important in celery farming. This helps to reduce acrid flavours, and increase good flavour and tenderness.
Conclusion
To grow celery commercially, all you need to do is to first of all, sow the seeds indoors after which you transplant in the ground and then take proper care of your celery during growth. Take note of their growing conditions and requirements too.
References
- “Medium-Term Influence of Organic Fertilization on the Quality and Yield of a Celery Crop” retrieved from here
- “Celery: an overview” retrieved from here
- “Advances in the research of celery, an important Apiaceae vegetable crop” retrieved from here