Growing Celery for Profit – Commercial Celery Farming
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Commercial Celery Cultivation
During the last decade, commercial herb farming has received much attention. There is no surprise about that, as culinary herbs can be a great source of income if cultivated rationally and on a scalable basis. There is a wide market demand for Celery as it is one of the most commonly used herbs in many cuisines globally.
Variety selection for Celery
When a farmer decides to grow celery, he/she needs to start by selecting a variety. Different Celery varieties have different characteristics when grown under specific environmental conditions. Thus you should choose wisely the variety that best serves your needs (end use of the product), as well as more adapted to the local conditions (climate, soil, duration of growing season etc). Generally, 3 main categories of celery have the greatest demand:
- Apium graveolens var. graveolens (Celery). This is the most common type in America. It produces big stalks, which are used mainly in salads. The leaves of this variety are bitter and are not easily consumed.
- Apium graveolens var. rapaceum (Celeriac, celery root). This type is popular in Europe and is grown for its root, which is used as a vegetable.
- Apium graveolens var. secalinum (Leaf Celery). This Celery is popular in Asia. It produces thin stalks and rich foliage which can be consumed raw and cooked.
While all 3 have a commercial interest, this cultivation guide will primarily be focused on celery for stalks (Apium graveolens var. graveolens).
Utah and Pascal are the most widely commercially cultivated celery varieties grobally. At the same time, Green Bay, EC-99249-1, and PRL-85-1 are listed in the higher-yielding varieties. In Europe, farmers prefer the Sonora (early), Command (mid) amd Florida 683 (late) varieties. In fields with known Fusarium disease history, the farmers should select to cultivate resistant or at least tolerant varieties of the pathogen like Samba, Marengo, Picador, Matador, XP-85, Vicar, Deacon (tall), Promise, UC8-1, UC10-1, and UC26-1 and Tango (tolerant). To find more varieties, you can check a list published by Cornell University and advise your local agronomists (here).
References
- https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/oregon-vegetables/celery-2
- https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriservice-bc/production-guides/vegetables/celery
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/how_to_grow_celery
- https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/celery.pdf
Further reading
Interesting Facts, Nutritional Value and Plant Information of Celery
How to Grow Celery in a Pot in your garden
Growing Celery for Profit – Commercial Celery Farming
Celery Soil preparation, Soil requirements, and Seeding requirements
Celery Water Requirements – How to irrigate Celery
Celery Fertilizer Requirements
