When to plant celery 🌿
Celery takes 100–130 days to mature, spaced 8" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March 2 – March 16 | May 11 – May 25 | September 14 – October 12 |
| Zone 4 | February 21 – March 6 | May 1 – May 15 | September 4 – October 2 |
| Zone 5 | February 7 – February 21 | April 17 – May 1 | August 21 – September 18 |
| Zone 6 | January 22 – February 5 | April 1 – April 15 | August 5 – September 2 |
| Zone 7 | January 8 – January 22 | March 18 – April 1 | July 22 – August 19 |
| Zone 8 | December 22 – January 5 | March 1 – March 15 | July 5 – August 2 |
| Zone 9 | November 23 – December 7 | February 1 – February 15 | June 6 – July 4 |
| Zone 10 | November 7 – November 21 | January 16 – January 30 | May 21 – June 18 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized celery planting dates
Care tips
- Needs constant moisture — never let it dry.
- Blanch stalks by wrapping or hilling 2 weeks before harvest.
- Best in cool, long seasons.
Good companions
Cabbage, Leek, Tomato.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start celery seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start celery seeds indoors between February 7 and February 21 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start celery seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start celery seeds indoors between January 22 and February 5 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start celery seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start celery seeds indoors between January 8 and January 22 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start celery seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start celery seeds indoors between December 22 and January 5 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant celery seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant celery seedlings about -2–0 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 1–April 15.
How long does celery take to grow?▾
Celery typically takes 100–130 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 16–20 weeks after the last spring frost.