The unusual rose-tinged stems of this outstanding Celery ‘Blush’ not only adds a refreshing, crispy bite to your summer salads and side dishes, but they look pretty too. Plant this self-blanching variety in blocks for beautifully crunchy and flavoursome stems. Easy to grow, there’s no need to earth-up this variety, simply plant it at soil level, keep it well watered and enjoy a harvest which lasts through the summer months and into autumn to pick as and when required. Height: 40cm (16"). Spread: 30cm (12”).
Sowing
Sow celery seeds from February to April on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Place in a propagator or seal the container inside a polythene bag at constant temperature of 21-25C (70-77F) until after germination, which takes up to 15 days.
Transplant when large enough to handle into trays or individual modules. Grow on steadily in cooler conditions before planting out after all risk of frost has passed, allowing 30cm (12in) between plants each way and making sure that the crown of the plant sits at ground level. It is essential plants are kept adequately moist throughout the growing season. If grown in a block, plants are naturally self blanching.
More Info
Celery requires a moist soil at all times to avoid the stems becoming tough and stringy. Water celery plants frequently, particularly during hot dry periods. Provide a thick mulch of organic matter around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Celery can be harvested from August onwards, or when the stems reach around 30cm (12"), by lifting the plants with a garden fork. Lift all plants before the first frosts.
Serving suggestion: Chop with apples, grapes and walnuts to add colour to a Waldorf salad.
