Utah Tall
Apiaceae
Celery
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Utah Tall, developed in the early 1900s, was bred for crispness and mild flavor. It became the standard green celery variety in American gardens. Modern grocery celery is mostly self-blanching varieties; Utah Tall requires traditional blanching.
Celery is genuinely difficult in the home garden — it requires consistent moisture, rich soil, and a long cool season. The PNW provides the right conditions but demands attention. Utah Tall is the classic green celery. For easier growing, consider cutting celery (Apium graveolens var. secalinum) — smaller, leafier, and much more forgiving. Your first homegrown celery may not win beauty contests but will have flavor that grocery celery cannot touch.
Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost (January for April transplanting). Celery is slow to germinate and grow. Sow on surface of seed-starting mix — celery seed needs light to germinate. Keep at 70°F (use heat mat). Transplant to garden in April when seedlings are 4-6" tall. Space 9-12" apart (4 per sq ft). Celery is a heavy feeder and water-lover — keep soil consistently moist (never let it dry out) and side-dress with compost or fish fertilizer monthly. Blanch stalks 2-3 weeks before harvest by wrapping plants with paper or hilling soil around stalks for milder flavor. Harvest from outside in, or cut whole plant at base.