Tango is an early maturing celery variety that produces smooth, less fibrous stalks with excellent eating quality. Its sweet and tender flavor makes it a favorite for fresh snacking, juicing, or cooking. A great option for gardeners who want a flavorful and easy-to-grow variety with a refined texture.
Celery Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Direct sowing is not typically recommended for celery due to its long germination period. Start seeds indoors and transplant for best results.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Celery prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and consistent moisture.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Celery grows best in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start celery seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or shallow pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sprinkle seeds lightly on the soil surface and press them in gently. Celery seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.
- Mist the soil gently to moisten without displacing seeds.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 70–75°F (21–24°C) for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 14–21 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C) and plants are 4–6 inches tall with 4–5 true leaves. Space plants 8–10 inches apart in rows, with rows 24–36 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Celery
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Celery can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Celery has shallow roots and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Celery is a heavy feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb celery’s shallow roots when weeding.
- Blanching: To improve celery’s flavor and reduce bitterness, mound soil around the base of the stalks or wrap them with paper or cardboard 2–3 weeks before harvesting.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs. Use organic pest control methods or hand-pick pests as needed. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases like celery leaf spot.
- Harvesting: Harvest celery when the stalks are about 8–12 inches tall and firm, typically 85–120 days after transplanting. Cut the entire plant at the base or harvest individual stalks as needed.
- Storage: Store harvested celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Celery can last for 2–3 weeks if stored properly.
