Harvest celery by taking the outer stalks when they are about a foot long. You can also cut the whole plant when it is about 3 inches across.
Harvest the outer stalks when they are about a foot long
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Outer stalks | Snap or cut the outer petioles when they are about a foot long | Waiting until the outer stalks turn pithy if you still want a tender stem |
| Whole plant | Cut the whole plant at the soil line when it is about 3 inches across, usually 85 to 120 days after transplant | Leaving it until the heart yellows |
| Store | Chill the same day. Wrap and refrigerate about two weeks | Leaving cut stalks in the sun or a warm kitchen |
You can pick celery from the outside in through the season. Outer stalks that are about a foot long are ready. [1] A whole plant is usually ready 85 to 120 days after transplant, when the bunch is about 3 inches across and the stalks reach at least 6 inches from the soil to the first leaf. [2] Sun and watering stay on How to Grow Celery.
When do I harvest celery?
Take outer stalks when they are about a foot long. A whole plant is ready when it is about 3 inches across.
How to harvest celery
Take outer stalks first. If you want the whole bunch, cut it at the soil line before the stalks turn pithy, and chill it the same day.
- Snap or cut the outer stalks at the base once they are about a foot long. Leave the heart so the plant keeps growing.
- For a whole plant, wait until the bunch is about 3 inches across, then cut at the soil line. Harvest before the petioles turn pithy. [3]
- Trim the roots, rinse, and chill the same day. Wrapped in the refrigerator, it keeps about two weeks.
How do I harvest a whole plant?
Cut it at the soil line when the bunch is about 3 inches across, before the stalks turn pithy, and chill it the same day.
Blanch the stalks two weeks before harvest
For a milder flavor, wrap the stalks two weeks before you cut, and leave the leaves in the light. [4] Use paper, cardboard, or a milk carton. Do not cover the leaves. Self-blanching seed strains skip this step when you plant them close.
If the outer stalks are already a foot long, cut them today — waiting until they turn pithy only toughens them.
FAQ
Can I eat the leaves?
Yes. The leaves are stronger than the stalks. Use them like an herb in soup or stock.
How long does cut celery keep?
About two weeks in the refrigerator if you chill it the same day and keep it wrapped. Quality drops as the stalks yellow.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Utah State University Extension -
https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/celery-in-the-garden - [2] University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification -
https://ccd.uky.edu/sites/default/files/2024-11/ccd-cp-092_celery-and-celeriac.pdf - [3] Oregon State University -
https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/oregon-vegetables/celery-2 - [4] Cornell Home Gardening -
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/sceneb528.html
This note is part of Apium Guides.
More harvest timing notes by plant live in Harvesting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors